I
always knew I was going to breastfeed. My mom nursed me until I was 11 months
old, when she was (incorrectly) told to stop because she was pregnant. I would
watch her nurse my brother and emulate with my doll (boy, we got some weird
looks when my mom and I both lifted our shirts!). While I was pregnant I read
as much as I could about pregnancy, child birth, and breastfeeding ultimately
falling in love with The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. I refused to buy or
register for anything formula or bottle feeding related. I was putting
all my eggs in the breastfeeding basket and was going to work hard though any
issues I may experience.
My
daughter was born without the use of any drugs and was super alert as she was
placed on my chest. She latched without issue and I relished in the joy of
continuing to support her growing life. A few days after we returned home I
started experiencing symptoms of mastitis. I had fever, chills, body aches, and
hard red lumps in my breast. I pumped and nursed as much as I could from the
infected side and was thankfully able to circumvent the use of medication!
Isadore
is four months old and exclusively breastfed. She actually refuses bottles or
pacifiers, so she completely relies on me for her nutrition! I love the feeling
of nurturing my daughter both physically and emotionally as we nurse. Some days
are harder than others, especially during growth spurts. During those times
when I just want a day off and silently counting down to my next goal of
exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months I remind myself of how much this is
going to benefit her! After I reach my next goal, I am going to continue to
push myself to nurse for no less than a year, and the ultimate goal being two
years.
We
have just begun our breastfeeding journey and welcome what the future has in
store. Looking at those little rolls and sweet milky face makes all the trials
completely worth it!
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