I’m Proud of Breastfeeding

From the moment I found out I was pregnant I wanted to breastfeed my babies.

That was the plan until my son was born with health issues and had to be formula fed.

I was devastated but there was no other option.

When my daughter came along I knew I was going to give it another go and she took to the breast like fish to water. The first few days went so smoothly that the nurse in the breastfeeding class used me as an example.

I smiled proudly from my high horse.

Until I was knocked right off.

By the time we came home from the hospital that easiness gave way to cracked bleeding nipples, blocked milk ducts and a lot of tears.

She cried for the breast every two hours. I found myself desperately needing a break; just a few hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Every single time she fed my eyes filled with tears, the pain was almost unbearable.

I didn’t want to give up.

I went to breastfeeding classes, I set up weekly appointments with a lactation consultant and I talked to other breastfeeding mothers at the mom and baby groups that I went to.

I worked really hard at it.

With time we fell into a groove. We found our flow and with each day it became a little easier.

I am proud of the fact that I breastfed my baby.

I’m almost afraid to say that I’m proud of breastfeeding my baby because I don’t want anyone to feel that I am judging them for not.

I believe that fed is best and each and every mother should do what works best for them.

I have one formula fed baby and one breastfed baby and both of them are smart, kind, loving and healthy children.

Yet I am still proud of the fact that I breastfed my baby and I think that’s ok.

It was hard. It took a lot of work and dedication. In the moment it wasn’t something that I loved doing but I felt it was what was best for my daughter and I worked really hard to do it.

The fact that I am proud of my breastfeeding journey does not mean that I judge any mother for formula feeding or pumping or making any other choice to ensure the health of their family; both their own health and their baby’s health.

As mothers, we all want what’s best for our children. That looks different for each of us and we are all just trying to figure out which path we should walk.

My path wasn’t easy but I had a goal in mind and I put in a lot of work to achieve that goal.

My breastfeeding journey wasn’t without struggle but it was beautiful and though I never thought I would say this, I miss it.