"I am grateful to my R.O.S.E Breastfeeding Peer Counselor for providing me with information on breastfeeding. I learned how to use a nipple guard when my baby is not latching and the different breastfeeding positions. She also provided me with a nipple cream and breast pump that made it easier for me to go back to work."
~ Keyla
New Brunswick, Middlesex County
“As a first-time mom, I struggled with effective breastfeeding of my son. I was extremely fortunate that I had my Breastfeeding Peer Counselor supporting me with information on the best ways to breastfeed. She has made my breastfeeding experience enjoyable and successful.”
~ Monica
Sayreville, Middlesex County
"My Breastfeeding Peer Counselor has been and continues to be supportive. She has always encouraged me and made great suggestions on how to achieve breastfeeding success. I didn’t know we could breastfeed past six months, but my son is almost 1 year old, and we are still going strong."
~ Gloria
Parlin, Middlesex County
“The knowledge, patience and kindness from my Breastfeeding Peer Counselor have
made for more joyful and pain free breastfeeding. My cracked nipples and engorgement
are all gone. My daughter is now 7 months old and I’m still enjoying breastfeeding.”
~ Patience
Highland Park, Middlesex County
“I am currently breastfeeding my baby boy who is four months old. I also breastfed my two girls. I breastfed one for 8 months and the other one for 1 month. In the beginning it was hard because I didn’t know what I was doing, even though it’s my 3rd baby it was still different. It was difficult in the beginning because I would feel pain from the baby feeding, or when my breast is full of milk, but I did it for as long as I could because it's good for my children. It gets easier as time passes by, and you learn more.”
~ Blanca
Neptune, Monmouth County
“When my wife and I chose to exclusively breastfeed our daughter, I knew that while I couldn’t nurse her myself, my role as a father, was just as vital. Breastfeeding may be something only a mother can do, but it’s not something she should have to do alone. Too many men underestimate their impact; not just on their partner’s experience, but on the success of breastfeeding itself.
Before our daughter was born, we prepared. We took a prenatal breastfeeding class, researched local lactation consultants covered by our insurance (there was only one, by the way), stocked up on breastfeeding essentials, and made sure I understood what each item was for. We did everything we could to set ourselves up for success. But preparation didn’t mean we were exempt from challenges.
Like any endurance test, breastfeeding brought exhaustion, frustration, and doubt. For me, the hardest part was the night feeds. Waking up alongside my wife every 2-3 hours, adjusting pillows in the dim glow of a nightlight, and offering encouragement when fatigue weighed heavy on her shoulders. In those moments, I realized my role went way further than just making sure that she was physically nourished and hydrated. I was her teammate, her coach, and her support system, helping her push through the mental and emotional marathon of breastfeeding.
Looking back, I see that this journey wasn’t only about feeding our daughter. It was about strengthening our family. The bond we built in those quiet hours, navigating highs and lows together, remains one of the most profound parts of early parenthood. And I’m proud of the role I played because when dads are prepared, moms feel supported, babies thrive, and families grow stronger together.”
~ Peter
Trenton, Mercer County
My breastfeeding journey was truly made possible by the help of the Breastfeeding Wellness Center in Eatontown. I expected breastfeeding to come naturally, and admittedly didn’t spend too much time thinking about it (outside of attending a class) prior to giving birth. My daughter was born and was very sleepy as a newborn and had difficulties transferring enough milk to maintain her weight. My husband and I are first time parents, and navigating this on top of many other life changes of having a newborn was tough! It was so helpful on one of the first nights home to be able to call the hotline at the hospital and be able to speak directly with a lactation consultant to give us tips, and we were then able to meet with [lactation consultant] Tara for a 1:1 appointment where she could do a weighted feed to determine a plan. We carried out triple feeding (breastfeeding, pumping, and giving a bottle) to help our daughter ensure she got the calories she needed while giving her the time to learn how to breastfeed. Triple feeding was time consuming and challenging, and it was so valuable to have the support of my family and the ability to attend lactation groups which meet twice weekly to do weighted feeds to track our daughter’s weight and progress. The first time she truly breastfed while getting enough milk was so rewarding!
Our feeding journey since then has been great. It has been a bonding experience for us both and it has been wonderful to be able to continue to breastfeed her. I still attend the support groups, no longer out of the acute challenges of making sure my baby is eating enough, but because of the supportive community Tara and Rosalind have created. I will be forever thankful for this experience and all of the lactation support available to help new families!
~ Chelsea
Lawrence Township, Mercer County
When I first had my son, I struggled with latching. He would get extremely frustrated and cry at the breast, which took an emotional toll on me as a new mother. While in the hospital, I began spoon-feeding expressed breast milk and tried cup feeding. I used a nipple shield and worked with a lactation consultant during my stay, but despite my efforts, I ultimately decided to stop trying to direct breastfeed. Instead, I exclusively pumped for about 3.5 months until I returned to work. It was a lot of work, and being home alone left me with very little time for myself, so I eventually transitioned to formula.
This time around, with my daughter, I felt much more knowledgeable and prepared. I learned new tips and techniques from working in a Baby-Friendly hospital and through my experience as a home visiting postpartum RN. I also worked closely with a lactation consultant who provided hands-on support. Her guidance made a huge difference and completely changed my experience. After just two sessions, I was able to successfully breastfeed. I am currently still breastfeeding directly and pumping a few times a day while my daughter is at daycare. It has been such a different and more positive experience compared to my first.
I encourage all mothers not to give up and to seek one-on-one support when facing challenges. With the right help, you can see real progress. Every baby is different, even those born to the same mother, so each breastfeeding journey will be unique.
Breastfeeding offers so many benefits for both mothers and babies. It can be challenging, but it is truly worth the effort. Once you find your rhythm, you’ll see the rewards for yourself.
~ Jen
Piscataway, Middlesex County
