Today marks the 14th month anniversary of breastfeeding my daughter. It's a wonderful day.
If you would have told me I would make it this far back when she was a wee little newborn, I probably would have laughed! I never thought I would be able to stick with something so challenging and so life-altering for so long. I never would have thought I had the strength to endure low-supply issues, growth spurts, bottle rejections and night nursing every 2 hours for 9 months straight. But God has seen me through it all, giving me the strength I didn't know I had, as well as blessing me with those little moments of pure bliss while nursing that encouraged me to stick with it even when it was hard.
Breastfeeding my baby is the most accomplished thing I have ever done. I am so proud of myself, because I know many other mothers struggle and are not able to make it nearly as long as I did. I count myself blessed to have had this experience. I feel more empowered as a woman, wife and momma. I was able to provide the sole nutrition for my baby for the first nine months, giving her the precious gift of mother's breastmilk that will continue to positively affect her entire life. And I'm thoroughly convinced, that I if I can do it, anyone can!
Although I have made it this far, this will probably be the last day I nurse my daughter. She is moving on, and my supply has vanished in order to properly provide for our new growing baby. I was able to continue to nurse the first 5 months of this pregnancy, something I never thought I would or could do as well. But now the time has come, and I will be enjoying this break before another baby comes along and changes my life in new, wonderful ways.
1 comment:
So wonderful!! I'm so thrilled that you were able to nurse so long into pregnancy! We had to fully wean about 6 weeks ago because it was becoming so painful. I miss those nursing snuggles but I wasn't too sad about weaning since there is another little one one the way!! Paxton still signs milk and rubs on my chest if he's not feeling well or is hurt. It breaks my heart that I can't offer him my milk and that nursing comfort but we grab a bottle (he still won't take milk from a cup) and sit down and snuggle during those times that he needs some comfort.
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