In Honor of Breastfeeding Week, My Story, Tips, & a Giveaway

A few months ago, I mentioned briefly about my experiences with breastfeeding Graham. I talked about what it was like with a toddler running around. How it was different, yet the same, the second time around. And what my thoughts were on breastfeeding in general. Briefly.

I say briefly, because, although I wrote a chapter out of a novel {or so it seems}, I barely touched the surface of what breastfeeding means to me, how it has impacted our lives, and how important it has become to me as a mother.

Do I believe that breast is best? Yes. Do I believe that breastfeeding is beneficial in many ways? Absolutely. Am I an advocate and cheerleader for all new moms to try breastfeeding? One hundred percent. Do I think that it is the only way and look down upon any other method of feeding a child? No, no, no, and no. What is most important, I believe, is for a mother to follow their instinct, trust their decisions, and do what is best for their child, their life, and their unique experiences.

Today, I just wanted to share some of my thoughts on breastfeeding the second time around. Again, I know. Except in a different approach. More of a random pattern, but basically in a way where I am picking out my brain and throwing it out there. Thoughts and feelings that have been on my mind and heart.

Prior to having Elliana, I never really talked much about breastfeeding. I knew I wanted to try it. Andrew and I agreed that we would go this route. But that was about the extent of our conversation... and research. I didn't purchase books. I didn't go to classes. I wanted to just do it and trust that if it were to work out then it would. If it wouldn't, then it wouldn't.

Part of my non-chalant-go-with-the-flow-kind-of-attitude.

The thing is, I never quite realized how lucky I was {and yes, I am still grateful to this day} for how naturally and easy breastfeeding has come to me for both experiences. The reason I say lucky is because I have read countless stories of women struggling. Struggling with supply. Struggling with latch. Struggling with emotions, criticism, and work-related issues. Acknowledging that my experiences were not the same for everyone was the first step in me realizing that I should never take any of this for granted. That although it may have come easy for me, it certainly was not, and is not, that way for many women.

With E, we breastfed for a year {a couple weeks prior to her first birthday}, and then she self-weaned without blinking an eyelash. It was more of a trial day for me, however, in her mind, it was the final day. Just like that, it was over. And we never looked back.

I cannot say that I cried or that it affected me in great ways. I think at that time I was pretty much ready to move onto the next chapter, to have my body back {to a certain degree}, and continue to bond with my daughter in different, yet just as powerful ways. But a part of me wonders if I chose that day for "trial" was in fact for us, or if it was for others. Our family. Our society.

You see, it starts from day one. People asking you..."how long are you going to breastfeed." At every well-visit we get asked that same question. I realize it is for document purposes, but again... it makes you wonder. You get asked that question by family members. By friends. And the closer you get to that age one, the more often you hear it. It seems. In fact, most of the time, those that are closet to you may even say something around the lines of.."don't you think it's time."

I never imagined breastfeeding E past one simply because it was never something that crossed my mind. So when we did the trial day and she didn't even ask? I though that meant that was the right decision. It certainly wasn't wrong by any means.

But today, I sit here and ask myself..."how long do you plan on breastfeeding G." Was it in fact time with E? Did you stop for you, or did you stop for them?

We are reaching 8 months, and I know that 1 year mark will be here before you know it. In my heart, do I believe that we will go past 12 months? Yes. In my heart, I believe we will go much further than that. Did I in my wildest dreams ever think that I would be one to say those words? No, not at all. In fact, I may have even done a side eye 3 years ago had I heard that someone breastfed past 1.

It's amazing what time, growth, and experiences will do to you. How your mind and perspective just changes, just like that.

Breastfeeding is one of the greatest opportunities that I have had to share with my children. It is something that I cherish with them. Moments that I know I will miss down the road. Thus, there is no reason to set a time limit. Just as natural as it has come, I plan to let is just as natural go.

Whenever that time may be.

----

5 Simple Tips:

1. Breastfeed right away after the baby is born. Skin to skin contact and BF within 30 minutes was top priority for me and the births of my children.

2. Don't be afraid of the public. Buy a cover, use whatever you have at hand, or just do what you feel comfortable in doing. With my first, I was always so self-conscious and embarrassed around certain people. I feel as though I waited longer periods to feed at times so I could sneak away or go in the car. The second time around? When my baby needs fed, my baby needs fed. That means that it will happen wherever and whenever {parks, zoo, museum, mall, dinner, and so forth} and sometimes a cover is used, sometimes just a blanket, and sometimes just discretion with my clothing. Either way, my baby is being fed. That is all that matters.

3. Be comfortable. And relaxed. When you're stressed, your body knows it and your supply goes down. Use a Dr. Brown's Gia pillow  {see all the lovely images with that large cozy pillow}! Where was this nursing pillow when I was breastfeeding E. It conforms great to the body, and the design is genius. The Gia pillow allows the baby to be at an incline angle which helps with digestion and as a result aids in preventing reflux. It is much bigger than my other nursing pillows, and definitely much more comfortable. Watch a more in depth video here.

4. Water water water! Staying hydrated was so important {for obvious reasons}, but definitely helped with my supply. As well as oatmeal! And pump pump pump!

5. Lastly, just trust your instinct! Follow your heart. Forget what others are saying. And just listen to your baby.

***disclaimer: this post is not compensated or sponsored in any way. I was provided a product to review, however, all thoughts and opinions are that of my own. 

And lastly, win a Gia pillow for yourself, or someone you know! This would make a great gift. Better yet, 5 of you can win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway