Monday, August 6, 2012

Dreams of Breastfeeding Version 2.0

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All this wonderful talk of World Breastfeeding Week has inspired me to write a breastfeeding post. One of the bloggers whom I admire most, AP at I Love You More Than Carrots shared her post celebrating World Breastfeeding Week by having her husband take pictures of her nursing her new son Maclane. This is something I never did with Braden, and I really wish I had. I never thought about it though. I wasn't as into social media (Instagram & Twitter) back then as I was now. It just never occurred to me to take a picture of me doing one of the most natural things a mother can do for her child - feed him! But this time, I most certainly will. I think breastfeeding pictures can be absolutely stunning and it's memories I want to capture this time.

I have to say, last time when I was pregnant with Braden, I was so excited to breastfeed. I am this time too. The bond is just unbreakable. But, I do have some fears about it, because it was SO EASY with Braden. Too easy? I hear of tons of complications, lack of supply, latch issues, mastitis...I had none of that with Braden. He latched on within minutes of being born and we never had a problem. Ever. I'm not even exaggerating. I think the biggest problem he had was that he was a spitty baby. After he'd have a growth spurt and my supply shot through the roof, my let down would be insanely high and he had some troubles adjusting and therefore would be extra spitty, but that's about it. He weaned perfectly, when it was time to stop, we were both ready, I wouldn't change a thing about our breastfeeding journey together.

So am I scared that things won't be the same for me and Squishy? Absolutely. But? I am also way more knowledgeable now than I ever was with Braden, and I know there's nothing I can't work through. I've also been inspired to nurse publicly more often. I had no problem nursing in public with my Hooter Hider cover...I did it for me more so than for other people's insecurities, especially in the beginning when you're both learning how to do it! Nursing a neonate is super tricky at first and requires a Boppy for sure! (for me, anyway!) BUT having seen your pictures on Instagram & Twitter and from seeing how comfortable my sister-in-law Jess is with nursing in public, I'm motivated to nurse publicly where I see fit - in my own home in front of female relatives/friends and certainly in the designated nursing areas in malls etc. Will I do it at the swimming pool watching Braden in swimming lessons? Probably not, but that's for MY comfort, no one else's!

I would love to hear your stories about your breastfeeding journeys, leave me some links if you have posts or comment below!
Sarah

13 comments:

  1. I love breastfeeding mamas! Torin and I had a pretty rough journey, and I ended up formula feeding him after 4 months, but I'm still an avid breastfeeding supporter!

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    1. Good for you, Brit! If you ever have another there's another chance for you!

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  2. I'll have to make Squishy a Boobie beanie.

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  3. I'm definitely for nursing in public, but I'm not one to say you can not use a cover or you must use a cover. Do what works for you and your baby.

    I had mastitis 1 week after my daughter was born, but thankfully that was the ONLY case I had it. Hope it's easy for you again.

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    1. I totally agree. I use the cover for my privacy, no one else's. I've never gotten dirty looks or comments so I hope that stays the same for this one!

      I'm praying 2.0 will be as easy as 1.0 too!

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  4. I love to breastfeed. I had a really hard time with H so I didn't end up doing it with Z. Perhaps with child #3 in the future, we will see.

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    1. So, did you try with Z or you were just so put off by your first experience you didn't try? Best of luck with #3!

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  5. I'm sure you've read my posts about it, but Colin and I had a rough and short-lived breastfeeding journey. I am really, really hoping this time works out better! Hearing about how easy it was with Braden gives me hope that it's not always as hard as it was for me.

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    1. I will be hoping it works out for you too this time! It's not always hard...but it's not always easy either. I'm bound and determined to make it work with Squishy as I did Braden.

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  6. been breastfeeding 2 years and counting despite my mother's comments about "needing to quit the bad habit". :) i never thought it would have gone this long but life changes your perspective! he loves it and i love it; he cries way too hard when i tell him "no" so i have no idea how i would wean him if i wanted to! thus i don't really want to until he's ready. i was like you; no problems what so ever and i count my blessings because i have friends who had trouble.

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    1. The "bad habit"? Oof...what a generation gap hey? You have to do what works best for your family!

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  7. Hopefully you wont have too many issues. I had a lot of issues with Dustyn. Carsyn was pretty easy, especially after he got his tongue clipped. I wrote about our breastfeeding journey last year during breastfeeding week. http://sarahhalstead.com/carsyn/our-breastfeeding-journey/

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