Matilda's Imagines

Willow: Breastfeeding

It was early morning at the training center, and Y/n was already feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her. Seven-day-old Willow fussed in her arms, her tiny cries echoing softly in the lounge. Y/n sat curled up in a corner of the couch, her face a mixture of exhaustion and frustration.

She had been trying to breastfeed Willow for the past hour with little success. Every time Willow latched, it only lasted a few seconds before she pulled away and cried harder. Y/n was close to tears herself.

Mini, ever observant, walked into the lounge with her morning coffee and immediately noticed Y/n's defeated posture. Setting her mug down, she approached quietly and sat beside her.

"Sweetheart, what's going on?" Mini asked, her voice soft and warm.

Y/n glanced at her, tears welling up in her eyes. "I can't do it, Mini. She won't stay latched, and I feel like I'm failing her already."

Mini frowned, her heart breaking at the sight of Y/n's distress. "Hey, hey, don't say that," she said, gently placing a hand on Y/n's knee. "You're not failing her. Breastfeeding can be really hard, especially at first. It doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong."

"But she's hungry," Y/n choked out. "And I don't know what to do."

Mini stood up and grabbed a nearby blanket, draping it over Y/n's shoulders. "Let's take a deep breath and try again together, okay? I've been through this with my sister's kids, so I've picked up a few tips."

Y/n nodded hesitantly, repositioning Willow in her arms as Mini adjusted the pillows around them for better support.

"First, relax your shoulders," Mini instructed gently. "Babies can sense when you're stressed, and it makes it harder for both of you."

Y/n let out a shaky breath, trying to loosen the tension in her body. Mini placed a steadying hand on her back. "Good. Now, let her find her way. Sometimes they need a little time to figure it out, too."

After a few moments of coaxing and adjusting, Willow finally latched properly. Y/n gasped softly in surprise, looking up at Mini with wide eyes.

"She's doing it," Y/n whispered, relief flooding her voice.

Mini smiled warmly. "See? You just needed a little help. And you'll get better at this every day."

Y/n nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks, but this time, they were tears of relief and gratitude.

Kyra chose that exact moment to wander into the lounge, her hair a mess and a piece of toast in her hand. She paused mid-bite when she saw Y/n and Willow.

"Whoa, is it happening? Is she finally eating?" Kyra asked, her voice loud enough to make both Mini and Y/n shush her simultaneously.

"Kyra!" Y/n hissed, glaring at her.

"What? I'm proud of you!" Kyra said, grinning as she plopped onto the couch across from them. "Team effort, huh? Good work, Mini."

Mini chuckled, shaking her head. "Y/n did all the work. I just gave a little guidance."

As Willow fed peacefully, Y/n leaned back against the couch, her exhaustion melting into a quiet sense of accomplishment. Kyra stretched her legs out and smirked.

"You know, this kid's going to have the best team in the world looking out for her," Kyra said. "She doesn't know how lucky she is yet."

Y/n smiled down at Willow, her heart swelling with love. "No, I think I'm the lucky one," she said softly.

Mini placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We're all lucky to have you both."

And in that moment, surrounded by her makeshift family, Y/n felt like everything was going to be okay.