When I became a mother for the first time, I thought breastfeeding would come naturally.
You see it in movies. The baby is born, placed on your chest and everything just flows.
But my story was different. My first birth was through a C section and even though I had milk, breastfeeding was far from easy. I didn’t know where to start, how to latch, or what was normal. My baby cried a lot, had reflux and I often felt like I was doing something wrong.
That is how my journey with a lactation consultant in Tanzania began. It changed how I see motherhood, support and grace.
If you missed the first part of this series, read my story on The Role of a Midwife in My Birth Journey.
My First Experience
I first met Idda Katigula by what I can only call divine timing.
I had seen her Instagram page after struggling to feed my baby. One day, while leaving the hospital, I passed by a small cosmetic shop and there she was.
She noticed my baby, smiled and began talking to me. I recognized her face immediately. That meeting became the beginning of something special.
Idda was kind, warm and patient. She explained her process clearly and began guiding me through messages. She taught me about proper breastfeeding techniques and encouraged me through every doubt.
Though I was still learning, I always felt comforted by her words.
When I went back to work and worried about my milk supply, I remember texting her in tears. She reminded me that stress can affect milk flow and that I should give myself grace.
She taught me simple routines, even how to schedule my day so I could nurse peacefully.
With her encouragement, I was able to breastfeed my daughter until she turned two years old.
My Second Birth
When I got pregnant again, I told my midwife Aggie about the challenges I had faced before.
She smiled and said, “You should work with a lactation consultant again, maybe even Idda.”
I couldn’t help but laugh and say, “I know her.”
Idda was also one of the speakers at a baby shower session organized by my midwife. She spoke about the importance of breastfeeding, and I decided that this time I wanted to do things differently.
I texted her when I was almost full term and asked if she could support me again.
After my VBAC delivery, I contacted Idda right away. She sent one of her assistants to the hospital to help me and even though I was tired, her team’s calm presence brought so much peace.
But a few days later, my baby wasn’t peeing and I began to worry.
Her eyes turned yellow and I realized she had jaundice. Those moments were scary.
Yet, Idda stayed beside me even while caring for her own newborn.
She texted back quickly, checked on me often, and even connected me with doctors who could help.
When I felt like I had failed as a mother, she reminded me that I was doing my best. She told me that these moments happen and that everything would be okay.
Her reassurance meant more to me than words can say.
What I Learned From Her
From Idda and JJ Breastfeeding, I learned more than just breastfeeding techniques.
I learned how milk supply works.
How to choose the right breast pump.
And how to properly latch my baby without pain.
She always said, “If it hurts, something is wrong.”
She also emphasized self care because a nourished, rested mama makes a nourished baby.
Through her workshops and gatherings, she helped mothers remember that we are women first before we are mothers.
I loved how she would invite different experts, from nutritionists and mental health coaches to fashion stylists, reminding us that taking care of ourselves is also part of intentional motherhood.
Her lactation products were another blessing. From the tasty tea to the lactation powder that helps increase supply, they made a real difference for me.
I could see my milk production improve and felt proud of my progress.
Why Lactation Support Matters
In many Tanzanian homes, we have normalized breastfeeding without realizing how much guidance it truly requires.
We drink boiling hot fluids because someone said it boosts milk.
We endure pain because we are told it is part of the journey.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
According to the World Health Organization, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life.
But those months can be tough, especially when you are exhausted, emotional, or unsure.
Having a lactation consultant is not a luxury. It is a form of love.
Science even shows that when a mother kisses her baby, her body detects the germs on the baby’s skin and produces antibodies through breast milk to protect the baby.
How amazing is that. Truly, breast milk is liquid gold.
You can also explore more stories about intentional motherhood on Kavanah Mama Blog.
A Note to Every Mama
Dear Mama,
You don’t have to do this alone.
You don’t have to walk through motherhood in silence or feel guilty for needing help.
Seeking support doesn’t make you weak. It makes you wise.
Allow others to walk beside you.
Let them hold your hand when you feel unsure.
Whether it is a midwife, a lactation consultant, or a trusted friend, receiving help doesn’t mean you are failing.
It means you are choosing love.
Because when you care for yourself, you care better for your little one.
Reflection
Motherhood is a sacred journey. It is not meant to be done in isolation.
I am deeply grateful for Idda and JJ Breastfeeding for being that light in my journey.
For teaching me.
For guiding me.
And for reminding me that motherhood isn’t about doing it all alone.
It is about doing it with grace, support and intention.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
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