Being able to breastfeed your child takes both time and patience. It can definitely have it's ups and downs, but the rewards are great. I wish to say right now, that just because some are unable to breastfeed or have no desire, there is nothing with those circumstances/choices. We each have different and varying circumstances in our lives, and we learn to deal with them and even work around them.
Breastfeeding Alex has definitely been interesting, even from the very beginning. When Alex came out, they put him right onto my chest and he instantly began "rooting" around on me. Rooting is the term many use to describe when babies start opening and closing their mouths and search around for your nipple. I knew instantly that he was going to be a great breastfeeder! Especially after he latched on so quickly when I did begin feeding him. Everyone warned me about sore nipples, cracking skin, and even swollen breasts once my milk came in. I did experience the sore nipples and swollen breasts, but luckily not the cracking skin. Alex was a great at nursing! And I was instantly rewarded with the joy every mother feels when their child latches onto their breast and then stares up at them with gratitude and love.
As great as Alex was at nursing, when he began sleeping more than eating, and I started losing my milk, it was devestating for me! To know that I couldn't provide for my baby was the worst feeling I've ever had. I felt almost useless and even ashamed that I couldn't give my child food, and that he was starving. We luckily had some formula from the hospital, and used that to sate his hunger pains. It killed me to give him that bottle, and I was hurt that I had allowed my milk to run out. Thankfully I had my mother on hand, and she was able to help me get Alex back on the breast the next day. Since then I have put him on a every 2-3 hour feeding schedule, and pump as often as I can on the side. Thankfully I haven't had a repeat of that episode.
I am grateful that I am able to breastfeed my baby, even though it can get frusterating at times. Breastfeeding has a way of tying you down at times, and puts time limits on most - if not all - activities. It can also be funny and rather annoying qhwn your baby starts playing around with your nipple, their "first toy" as many mothers call it. At first funny, and then annoying when you just want them to eat and get it over with. Breastfeeding can also be painful, especially when they pull away really hard, or when the teeth start coming in and they bite you on accident. In the end though, breastfeeding helps create a special bond between the mother and the baby. It does not take long for babies to know which parent will give them the food, it's almost as if they can smell it on you. Breastfeeding can also become a special time for you and your baby - a quiet time of reflection even. And really, you cannot beat the benefits that come with breastfeeding your baby! There is no duplicating the nutritional benefits that are in your God given breast milk!
I hope those who cannot or choose not to breastfeed do not take offense to this thought process and idea of mine. As I said, it is not for everyone, but I highly recommend it if you can do it.
I loved breastfeeding. I miss being done with it, which is something I thought I wouldn't ever say on those days when the time-constraint was all-too-obvious. Those were some of the best, most peaceful times when my kids were tiny babies!
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