Allah (swt) acknowledges that pregnancy and breastfeeding can be difficult. As a woman transitions to motherhood, she will face many challenges with her new experiences, and breastfeeding is no exception! One reason that breastfeeding may be initially difficult is pain relief received during labor (especially through the use of narcotics). Moms often experience delayed success in nursing because they are sedated and cannot immediately interact with their infant. Other contributing factors that can disrupt a nursing relationship are: a traumatic birth, pain from a C-section, early separation of infant and mother after delivery, improper latching, thrush, male circumcision, early introduction of bottles, and the use of pacifiers. Despite any issues a mother may have in the beginning, breastfeeding does get easier, “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease..,” translation of Surah Ash-Sharh verse 6. Also, Allah has shown us mercy by commanding children to be good and dutiful to their parents. Insh’Allah, our own children take care of us and make dua for us continually. The translation of Surah Al-Ahqaf verse 15 states “And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.” If breastfeeding gets hard for you, do not give up! Remember, there is reward in this life and the next. Please Follow My Blog by Email and Help Spread the Barakah of Breastfeeding!