Finding the time to write a post for World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) has been tough because, well, I’ve been breastfeeding so much.
In fact, I feel like that’s all I’ve been doing for the past four weeks and it feels like it’s been a lifetime. It is definitely a very demanding way to jump into life after pregnancy.
I only nursed our first child for about three weeks. I gave up pretty easily because I didn’t know what I was doing and I didn’t go to anyone for help. I have regretted it ever since. Although, she is a very healthy three and a half year old who was formula fed. I promised myself that the next time I was going to try harder and make sure I had a support system. I was determined to make it work.
Ever since the day I found out that I was pregnant, I made the decision that I was going to breastfeed this baby. I have really been prepping myself for this from the beginning. I did not want to feel that regret that I felt with baby number one. Of course, it was not just regret that made me make this decision. It was definitely for the health benefits for the baby and the other added benefits for me, not to mention the money we’d save not having to buy formula.
Each day I wake up (from my three hours of sleep), I really have to give myself a pep-talk about nursing. It’s a big, demanding job. I feel like that’s really all I think about. Sometimes I wonder how long I’ll actually make it. Will I just come to a breaking point and give up again? I’ve already made it through the first month, it’s getting a little easier but I still find myself asking if I can really keep it up.
The goal I have set for myself is to breastfeed for at least six months. Right now, that seems like a pretty huge commitment. Sometimes I decide that I’m not going to think about that goal. Just take it a day at a time. I will say that it makes me extremely proud that my new little baby is growing and gaining weight, all because of the nutrition that I’m providing her. It’s a feeling that I wasn’t expecting.
The approach I have taken this time has been to ask for support from my husband, family and friends. I have talked openly about breastfeeding with all of them in the hopes that they will encourage me to continue when I feel like giving up. I’ve been on both sides of the fence now; I know how easy it is to formula feed a baby and I know how demanding it is to breastfeed a baby. It’s not as limiting as I thought it would be, as a matter of fact, I took the wee babe to a blogging conference just when she was two weeks old. I nursed her there and that is something I wasn’t sure I would be able to do. I was determined and made it work.
In closing this post, it’s amazing to me that I’m making such a big deal about something so natural. Hopefully, in time, I will not put so much pressure on myself and just let this be a normal part of my daily life.
Your doing just fine Amy. So far so good.
it won’t be such a big deal in a few weeks. the beginning is tough stuff. hang in there. call me anytime. you know i’m here for ya, babe.
This is a great post Amy! I need to remember that it will be tough but worth it – thank you for sharing!
Instead of thinking about the ultimate goal of “6 months” try thinking “I’ll get through the next week then I’ll see how it’s going. One week is much easier to fathom than 6 long months and I guarantee that it will make it easier to manage.
Hang in there, it just keeps getting easier and easier after the first 6 weeks!
it is so hard in the beginning. but don’t give up, it will get much easier and not seem like a big deal at all. in fact it will be easier. i loved when we were getting ready to go somewhere and i did not have to think about how many bottles to bring. in the beginning, you just feel like that is all you are doing. but things mellow out. :)
Amy – YOU CAN DO IT! I don’t know what it’s like to be on the other side of the fence — I BF my daughter for 1 year and I am planning on BFing my little guy for the same amount of time. It’s more of a challenge to myself — I REFUSE to buy formula and spend that kind of money. It IS a LOT of work — I will give you that. When he starts crying at 3AM every.night.for.5.months, I’ll be honest that I want to nudge my hubby and tell him it’s HIS turn to get up!!! But, each day I enjoy nursing more and more and it’s so freakin cheap and quick to prepare! :)
Things are going really well in week 6. However, I am sore/sensitive. I hope this soreness goes away soon! We are doing good. I’m pumping and nursing (nursing more than bottle feeding). Things are working out so far!