Change of Circumstances – Britany and her Sons

 

When my oldest was born four and a half years ago, it was assumed I would breastfeed. I started out wonderfully, but due to circumstances, lack of knowledge, determination and support (which I would have had if I voiced my opinion), I slowed breastfeeding at 4 weeks, weaned by 6weeks. I told myself "At least he got those 4-6 weeks", "I did what I could" and "he's being fed, that's all that matters!"  Which every single word is true. When circumstances changed yet again at 8 weeks, I tried to gain my supply back and was not successful. I also was not educated and motivated. But I was sad, and didn't realize how sad until I became pregnant with my second son.

In the 4 years between my children, I learned a great many things, including, breastfeeding facts, myths and other parenting methods. 

By the time my second son was born, I knew I was going to breastfeed. I was going to baby wear, co-sleep, and let baby lead the weaning process; and so much more. I set mini goals for myself. Six weeks, ten weeks (when I returned to work), three months, six months, ten months and twelve months. The ultimate goal would be between twelve to twenty-four months old when he self-weaned. 

When he was born, it went perfect. He latched on moments after birth and nursed for almost two hours. Then he slept for four and one-half hours and refused to wake up! Once he woke up, he nursed again for almost two hours. Ever since then, he is a breastfeeding champ. Now I am having a hard time ever imagining not breastfeeding him. 

At the time of these pictures he was five months old. I am ecstatic to say at almost eight months, we are still breastfeeding. It's not like I dreamed and hoped, but so much more than I feared in a worst case scenario. 

Circumstances have again made it difficult to make my milk the only milk he gets. I am very blessed to say he also receives the milk of two wonderful ladies who have helped keep him on donor milk since he was three and one-half months old. This is more than I dreamed of. I plan to savor every moment I have. It's an amazing bond that I cannot explain. 

This is a favorite quote of mine from probably one of the best resources for breastfeeding I have stumbled across. 

"I thought I'd become a mother the day my baby was born. It isn't so. Mothers join the ranks slowly, gradually, one caress, one diaper, one feeding at a time. And then one day we look down and there they are: the hands of a mother, gently with enormous strength doing the most important work on earth." - The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.