I never thought that I would
support full term nursing, much less still be nursing my 23 month old toddler.
She will be 2 on November 5. When my oldest daughter was born
in 2006, I didn't have any friends or family around me that had successfully
nursed their children. I had no idea how to be successful at breastfeeding, and
I didn't know where or how to find the support that I needed. I also didn't
really care one way or the other about how it worked out. I figured that
formula was really just easier anyways and don't even get me started about how
embarrassing it would be to nurse in public! If only I could go back in time
and tell myself what I know now.
Flash forward 9 years, and
here we are. These photos were taken a couple of weeks after my daughter's
first birthday. We have now been breastfeeding for 23 months and she never had
a single drop of formula.
I found out that I was finally
pregnant with a viable pregnancy just a few weeks after I accepted my first
teaching position and started my Master’s degree program. At the beginning of
the pregnancy I was diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder, Factor V Leiden,
so I had to do daily injections in order to maintain a healthy
pregnancy. I had several miscarriages before this miraculous pregnancy, so
I had a hard time becoming attached and bonding with her during the
pregnancy. I started researching about breastfeeding and baby wearing. I
knew that I wanted to do whatever I could to ensure the health and well-being of
my child. I felt like I needed to find a way to create a bond like I had with
my oldest daughter.
I am a special education teacher
and it was difficult to find a pumping schedule that would work with my heavy
case load. I pumped during my commute to school, during a morning break, lunch,
and then my afternoon conference period. I did this for one and one-half school
years. It was difficult and it took a lot of dedication and sacrifice from me
and my teammates, but every single drop was worth it. I was able to ensure that
Cora never had a single drop of formula, and I donated to several other babies
in need.
As our breastfeeding journey is
coming to an end, I look back with no regrets. My heart is so full from the
bond that I have with both of my daughters, one who was nourished by formula,
and the other who was nourished from my body.
So happy for you! And so happy you where able to reach your goal. I also love the way you worded it, thay you wanted to bond with her as much as you did with your first. So many people try to argue that bf mom's think they have a greater bond with their children, when in reality it's just their way of bonding with that child. Great words and good job momma!!
ReplyDelete