There is a lot of talk in the mommy community about breast feeding versus bottle feeding. And it can be very intimidating, particularly for first time mommies.
I knew from the moment that we learned we were pregnant that I would {try} to breast feed. To me, breast feeding is natural and the way that nature intended us to feed our children.
Fast forward to the day The Boy was born. I had no idea about “latching” when the nurse asked me if we had a good one. I responded with, “Uhh…I think so.” I hadn’t done any reading about breast feeding. I knew that I would figure it out. My body was made for it, so I would do it.
And do it I did. For hours and hours. The Boy and I did have a good latch that first time, and almost every time after that.
I was proud.
I was breast feeding.
It was July when I became a mother and joined the breast feeding club.
Sadly, I knew that I would have to return to work at the beginning of October. That meant that The Boy would have to drink from a bottle. And someone else would have to give it to him.
I pumped.
It felt weird.
My pump was electric and pumped both at the same time…hands free. If I were blogging back then I would have been able to write a post while pumping. Knowing that freaked me out a little.
The Boy took a bottle from The Texan, from my mom, and from The Texan’s mom, too. And then, he went to day care with his bottles full of liquid gold. And he took a bottle for the first time from a non-family member. Knowing that freaked me out a little, too.
I was breast feeding, but my son was bottle fed, too. Interesting concept, but one that was working for our family. I pumped frequently, and stored it in the freezer. My secret stash came in handy for those rare occasions that I was alert enough at night to have a glass of wine or a beer with The Texan.
As time went on, I grew more and more comfortable with my pumping machine. I knew how to properly store the breast milk and how to thaw it. Inside, I knew that I would not breast feed forever. My pediatrician was surprised – and impressed – that I was nursing past the six month mark. And was still holding strong at nine months. And at twelve.
Breast feeding was a part of our routine until The Boy was 16-months old.
He quit.
Cold turkey.
That was a very sad day for me. It was tough emotionally and physically. I miss “our time,” but have found new appreciation in the things that have become “our time” now.
Personally, I believe in the benefits of breast feeding. I realize that breast feeding is not for everyone, and that not everyone is physically able. If you’re a new mom struggling with breast feeding, I encourage you to stick it out and contact a lactation consultant if you find yourself in need of help.
This is part of series of posts titled Motherhood Mondays where I’ll be sharing my parenting experiences, tips and advice. If there is a specific topic you would like to see in the coming weeks, please email me with Motherhood Mondays in the subject line.
I can understand the sad part! My daughter is going to be 17 months this week, and she is still nursing, but much less often (except the last few days, she’s not feeling well). It makes me sad to know that soon enough she will be done and makes me grateful that the baby will be here in June so I can start all over. There are days that I wish she was done and I could just take a break before baby is here, but mostly I love nursing her. On days she doesn’t nurse much, I make sure to sit her on my lap and snuggle her.
I’m visiting here from the 100 comment event. 🙂
The link took me to a blank page of your blog…so I am commenting on this post.
I also breastfeed my three children…3 months for the first (I went on a diet…how dumb was that), 6 months for the second and 8 months for the third (when she looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and bit me, I knew it was time to stop).
I applaud women who give it a try…and those like you who manage to continue (even when working…good for you)…because I believe that breastmilk does impart important immunities and nutrition to babies. However, for those who choose not to, I applaud them for that decision…we have to know what is best for ourselves.:)
Hope you will come to visit my blog: http://www.viviankirkfield.wordpress.com
Wow that’s an impressive story – I wish I had been able to cope for longer. I positively grieved when I gave up feeding, especially when she turned in to me, but it wasn’t working for either of us. It broke my heart to give up.
I too, was brought to a blank page… I’m impressed that you were able to breasted so long when you were working and having to pump… pumping is rough!!
I strongly believe every baby should be breastfed unless absolutely impossible. It WILL be hard at first but it’s worth it because it’s your child’s health. That’s my opinion. I have considered being a Lactation Consultant but I’m not sure how to go about with that.
Great story, Thanks for sharing.
Everybody’s breastfeeding story is so different – thanks for sharing. I’m going through some ‘issues’ with my 4 month old that I’d like to blog about too lol. Yep, we definitely shouldn’t jude either as mothers. I’m just happy that I have been able to breastfeed, as some mamas who want to can’t for some reason or other. I’m also happy I had the support I needed to make it happen.
That was a good story. I think the boy will be the better for having been breast fed…it is supposed to be so much healthier.
The breast pump thing sounds weird though…I haven’t ever even seen one…and I thought you had to do one at a time. Things must have improved a great deal in the past 20 years.
My oldest nursed until she was 21 months old. We had to stop when she was a traction for a broken femur.
I was lucky enough to breastfeed my son for 18 months. Then he weaned (I was in my third trimester with my daughter) and I got about 3 months of reprieve before starting it all over again with my daughter. We’re still going strong at 15 months!