Brian Fortune (Portugal)

We felt as though we had prepared thoroughly for the birth of our first child. We had taken pre-natal classes and read through some advice online. We were aware of some breastfeeding concepts, like the need for a ‘good latch’. In a way we had assumed that it would be as easy as pie, “What’s to know? You pop a baby on a booby and off you trot!”. This turned out to be pretty naïve.

We were in a spin when we returned home. We quickly learned that breastfeeding can be incredibly challenging. My partner’s breasts became sore and injured. Our beautiful baby was not getting enough food, he seemed weak and frankly, the situation felt dire. I was becoming frightened for everyone’s physical and mental health.

By incredible coincidence, my Mother had met Cari Naftali less than a fortnight earlier at her walking group. We telephoned her in some desperation, and we were astonished that she dropped everything and came to our immediate rescue. That very same day she visited with us twice, and again the next day. She tackled the acute problem directly and made certain our baby received milk. 

In the coming days and weeks, with kindness and patience, she coached Mummy and Baby through the delicate nuances of breastfeeding. With overwhelming generosity, Cari lent us her calm and confidence and imparted so much subtle and useful information that it’s no exaggeration to say that it transformed our whole early-parenting experience. 

Soon our baby was feeding calmly and regularly. My partner’s body didn’t take too long to heal. From there it was up-and-up, the beginning of a wonderful twenty-two months of comfortable, successful breastfeeding and bonding. Our teeny little newborn grew quickly to become a lovely, chubby, bouncy baby. 

It’s very hard being a new parent, it’s a joyful journey but one that can be full of worry. We will be forever appreciative of Cari’s help, it was invaluable to our new family.

Expecting our second baby, we arranged to meet Cari shortly after the birth to brush up on all things breastfeeding and make sure that we set off on the right foot from the outset.