Granai della Memoria

Marina is a young woman who recently turned 4o. And it is only recently that her Stella was born, her first daughter who came into the world after 'several attempts': at the end of the long path to have her, the birth turned out to be unexpectedly rushed, her husband was away on business but the baby decided to be born and that was that.

Marina tells of an initial breastfeeding experience that was just as strong: a painful mastitis and excruciating raghades, something that even managed to overcome the pain of childbirth. The presence of her sister-in-law, who is also competent and employed in the neonatal intensive care unit of the Novara hospital, was crucial in dealing with pain and fears, especially after discharge. Marina reminds us of the importance of family support, but also of the immense help that being able to talk openly with friends, colleagues, and women from different generations gives: to talk about the constant and sometimes disheartening pains and unexpected fatigue that one has to face; to talk about the desire to return to work and regain daily normality; to talk about the insecurity over the growth and weight of the newborn; to talk about not feeling able and competent in the matter.

After a long and tiring path, Marina now feels that breast-feeding is sweeter, the baby is serene and manifests a contagious sense of fullness and tranquillity when she is attached. That same pleasant feeling that the mother can also experience.