Everyone and their dog has an opinion about breast feeding and who should do it and for how long and where and how. We've all gotten our fair share of advice and unsolicited thoughts on the matter.
For me, breast feeding has been the only thing I've excelled at when it comes to child bearing/raising. I failed miserably at getting pregnant and only carried 66.6% of my pregnancies to term. Labor and delivery gurus would probably give me a failing grade since I almost died waiting for my first epidural and then had a c-section on
the 2nd.
But the babies have been well fed. And I'm thankful for the money saved and the ease of the nursing. However, I know how freakin tough this is for many women and lactation consultants just don't seem to get that.
When Graham was in the hospital for meningitis, I got a well-meaning phone call from the lactation nazi on staff. She was asking how nursing was going and reiterating how important it was that I continued. I hadn't considered quitting so that wasn't needed. But then she went on to push how much he needs my antibodies to fight this illness and how crucial it was for his well-being.
At this point, I've spent almost a wek in the hospital and I'm starting to get crazy. (Also the day they had to send in the counselor to encourage me). So now I start to panic. What if my milk runs out? What if he gets to sick to nurse? What if it's all my fault?!?
Point is, babies do great on formula. It's been perfected over the years and honestly babies turn out just as well either way. So back off women!!! We all give ourselves enough pressure and guilt about nursing without help from others!!!
Lastly, when we were at the park last week, I was sitting next to a lady with a newborn who asked me if it would bother me if she nursed her there. I was taken aback that she felt the need to ask me being that I'm a female too and that she had a cover she used.
I nurse Graham wherever and whenever he needs it. I've nursed him walking around the fair, during Gymboree class and in the grocery store. My cover keeps everything private and with a 2 year old to chase, I can't go hide in some closet to feed the poor little guy. But I've also never felt obligated to ask for permission!!!
For me, breast feeding has been the only thing I've excelled at when it comes to child bearing/raising. I failed miserably at getting pregnant and only carried 66.6% of my pregnancies to term. Labor and delivery gurus would probably give me a failing grade since I almost died waiting for my first epidural and then had a c-section on
the 2nd.
But the babies have been well fed. And I'm thankful for the money saved and the ease of the nursing. However, I know how freakin tough this is for many women and lactation consultants just don't seem to get that.
When Graham was in the hospital for meningitis, I got a well-meaning phone call from the lactation nazi on staff. She was asking how nursing was going and reiterating how important it was that I continued. I hadn't considered quitting so that wasn't needed. But then she went on to push how much he needs my antibodies to fight this illness and how crucial it was for his well-being.
At this point, I've spent almost a wek in the hospital and I'm starting to get crazy. (Also the day they had to send in the counselor to encourage me). So now I start to panic. What if my milk runs out? What if he gets to sick to nurse? What if it's all my fault?!?
Point is, babies do great on formula. It's been perfected over the years and honestly babies turn out just as well either way. So back off women!!! We all give ourselves enough pressure and guilt about nursing without help from others!!!
Lastly, when we were at the park last week, I was sitting next to a lady with a newborn who asked me if it would bother me if she nursed her there. I was taken aback that she felt the need to ask me being that I'm a female too and that she had a cover she used.
I nurse Graham wherever and whenever he needs it. I've nursed him walking around the fair, during Gymboree class and in the grocery store. My cover keeps everything private and with a 2 year old to chase, I can't go hide in some closet to feed the poor little guy. But I've also never felt obligated to ask for permission!!!
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