I’ve been breast-feeding Brody now, for his entire life. About 9 1/2 months, and we’re still going strong. I fully believe that if you can make it through the first six weeks, you can make it for as long as you want to do it (determination-wise). Those first weeks are ROUGH. They can be frustrating, painful, stressful and everything in between. For us, the rest is rather blissful. Of course, I have the luxury of taking Brody to work with me, so I don’t have to deal with the pump unless I am going out somewhere on the weekends or in the evenings (this helps with the enjoyment factor).
There are many reasons that I chose to breast-feed both of my boys for their first year of life. It’s the healthiest thing for them, it’s obviously cheaper and for me, it’s easier, too. No bottles to wash or formula to mix- breast milk is always ready and always the right temperature! My favorite, favorite reason for nursing, though, is the closeness. Even though there are MANY a night where I really wish that Trevor could take over for me, or moments where Brody is flailing around like a bucking bronco and driving me nuts or enacting his newest habit of biting my nipple, and I think to myself “oh my gosh, why am I still doing this??” (Yes, there is a picture coming up… it shows no more cleavage than an average bathing suit, so you’ll be just fine!)
And then there are other moments. Moments where his breathing is in sync with mine, where his hand is curled up next to his full cheeks, where his sweet curls are pressed up against my chest as he sleeps… in these moments, I think I never want this to be over. I know it’s only a matter of time before he’s too grown-up to need me so much, and that’s why I cherish this time with him. These fleeting moments will be gone far too soon, so until then, I will hold on to them. Because the view from here is oh so perfect.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful! I think those of us who are or have been long-term nursers completely understand. I love nursing my babies for those quiet moments. I firmly believe that nursing directly is WAY easier than any of the other methods that require bottles. Baby is hungry in the middle of the night? You don’t even have to wake up fully. Excellent. lol.
Jessica, that’s right! I can’t imagine having to fix a bottle at 3 a.m…. I’d never get sleep with the way this kid likes to eat!
Love this! And LOVE breastfeeding! Even though my crazy 1 year still doesn’t sleep and gets up about 4 or more times a night to nurse!
Here is my in love with bfing post! 
http://praying4littlewags.blogspot.com/2012/08/world-breastfeeding-week.html
Jaclyn, right there with you! Brody’s in the midst of a sleep regression and gets up multiple times a night for a snack… co-sleeping is the ONLY way I get sleep!
I had always hoped that I would be able to breastfeed our baby. Even after our decision to adopt I still had high hopes after talking to my doctor. He told me that is was actually possible and all he would have to do was prescribe me some pills! I was estatic!!
But then we found out that we would be having twins and I chickened out!!! I couldn’t imagine how breastfeeding 2 would be!!!
I think it’s such a special bond between Mama and baby though!!
Great job on your part!!!
Marcie, I saw a special one time on inducing lactation when you adopt, and it so neat that it’s possible! I agree, though, the twin issue makes things a little tougher!!
Oy my gosh this made me tear up! I just recently weaned my daughter at 12 months. I would have kept going but we are going to try for another baby (had to do IVF to get her and now moving on with an FET). I really really miss that closeness. That hand curled up next to the face…gets me every.single.time. I can’t wait to do it again….
You made me cry! I miss those days so.darn.much. I didn’t exclusively breastfeed any of my boys – not by my choice, we dealt with tongue thrusting, supply issues, facial/jaw muscle weakness r/t torticollis. Ugh! But the times when it did work, oh that made it all worth it. Keep on enjoying it mama!
I honestly coudn’t love this post more! Nursing my babies has got to be the most enjoyable things of my life. When my boy is done I am going to go into a depression. I adore it so much.
I nursed Carter for 22 months and some of my favorite memories are those precious quiet moments we shared while the rest of the world was asleep. I agree with you- make it over that first initial hump and it’s so much better!
Love this. And you already know that I totally love nursing for these exact same reasons.
i know you didn’t write this post to hurt or bother anyone, and i have no reason to comment here, but i’m going to anyway. i think it’s such an insulting, close-minded viewpoint that all any woman has to do is “make it past the first 6 weeks,” as if every woman who doesn’t “make it” is simply giving up, is a failure, is less of a mom. oh if she’d only tried a LITTLE harder, stuck it out for a LITTLE longer. she just didn’t want it enough. she just didn’t care as much as *I* do. doesn’t she know how much easier it is? doesn’t she know how much time and money she’s “wasting” with bottles and formula? doesn’t she want to be close to her babies?
there are so many factors at play when it comes to breastfeeding. it’s right for some, it’s natural for some, it’s easy for some, and for others it’s not. you’re projecting that nursing is best for all moms and all babies, and that is simply not true. i can’t stand feeling like i have to defend my formula-fed babies. how hurtful and unfair to imply that MY body, MY experience, MY babies and MY decisions are your idea of a mothering nightmare, a complete failure. as if i was given all the information, all the resources to succeed, and still somehow i CHOSE what is known to be an inferior method of feeding my babies. i really resent the implication that i’m supposed to feel guilty or apologize to my girls and ESPECIALLY to anyone else.
Erin, I think you already know that this was not meant as a breast v. bottle debate. I’m sorry you felt attacked by this, but that certainly was not my intent. I think I made it clear that breastfeeding was best for ME, which is why I chose to do it and am still doing it. I have nothing against formula. I was formula-fed and I turned out just fine! It is a personal preference. As for the first six week comment, I was merely stating that those first weeks are the most trying in the nursing relationship and that after those were over it was more enjoyable. I’ve always valued your comments and support, so I would never set out to make you or anyone else feel badly about their decisions. Parenting is a very personal experience in every way and each family has to do what’s best for them.