I am incredibly proud to say that I am a currently nursing a 14-month-old toddler. It has been a journey, to say the least. My daughter nurses on demand… probably about 6 times per day and once, occasionally twice during the night. And I’m perfectly fine with that.
I went into breastfeeding with little information. I wish I would have primed myself a little more… I had all of the gear I needed and then some, just not all of the knowledge or support. It didn’t matter. I was DETERMINED I would breastfeed my baby! I wanted to provide her with the best nutrition possible… milk that was uniquely designed for her teeny tiny tummy. How hard could it be?
Talk about frustration! Breastfeeding was tremendously difficult. (Not to be mistaken for impossible!) The first day was a breeze. Mackena latched on perfectly the entire day! I was thrilled! And then the second day came, and she wouldn’t cooperate. The colostrum wouldn’t come immediately, so she would become frustrated, unlatch, and scream. This went on for two days. It was a nightmare. I was concerned she wasn’t going to nurse. Ever. And that wasn’t an option. I had a lovely, experienced nurse from the nursery come to my room and help me. She solved my crisis. Thank goodness!!! I had more bumps along my breastfeeding road. When Mac was around two weeks, I developed a horrible case of mastitis. Ouch!! That is when a pump came in handy! There were a few issues throughout the first six months. Me- ALWAYS worrying about my supply. I had times where she went through growth spurts and I thought she was starving. I remember sitting and crying because I thought I could not nourish my own child! Those few times, I would run out and buy formula to supplement, and then I would beat myself up for days. But I now know that’s okay. I hate to admit it, but my daughter had formula maybe five times, and I’m not proud of it, but I’m human, I’m not perfect. I didn’t give up. And that is my advice to all other mommies out there who choose to breastfeed.
One thing that helped me through was the support of my amazing husband. He was on a deployment and halfway around the world, but he always had the right words when I was at my wits’ end. He always encouraged me to breastfeed. My family however, wasn’t very supportive. I’m originally from a small town, and breastfeeding is something that just isn’t talked about. In fact, I had family members act weird towards me, push formula on me, and even say the way I was feeding my child was “gross”. It didn’t stop me. So I never nursed around them, or just didn’t spend much time around them all together. Their loss! I know what I am doing for my child is best. And that’s enough to keep me going. :)
I now love breastfeeding. I love the bond between Mackena and me. This is how I see it, I lost my mother to breast cancer. Numerous studies show that women who breastfeed are more protected against breast and ovarian cancer... so if I can be more protected and live a long life and see my daughter grow up, sign me up!! I am saddened by all of the mommies who don't even offer their babies the breast. Or they do and give up within the first three weeks. There are soooooo many benefits for your baby AND you!!! It really is worth it. Also, think of ALL the money you will save because you won't be buying infant formula.
Don't give up!!! Breast milk makes SUPERRR healthy babies! :)
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