I wanted to blog a little about my breastfeeding adventures so that it can be a reminder for me in the future to breastfeed again but also to motivate other women. I knew a lot about breastfeeding before becoming pregnant (including the anatomy, the mechanics and the benefits to mother and baby). I knew breastfeeding was something I wanted to do even before we were considering getting pregnant. However, I worried and feared that I would not be able to because of the pain. I've mentioned before that I'm the biggest punk when it comes to pain.
Anyway, I'm proud to say that I've been exclusively breastfeeding my son for the past 2 months and I'm very motivated to continue. If I can do it, anyone can. Of course, initially it was uncomfortable but after a few days your body really does adjust. I also had to get over some other things so I could successfully breastfeed. First off, I over-think things and was way to caught up in the mechanics of how to. I had to chill out and let my mommy instincts kick in. I also had to get over the thought of looking and seeming awkward (yes, it's true as dumb as it may seem).
AND one of the biggest things I got over was the fear of being out when my son is hungry and not being able to feed him. I actually got over that one pretty quickly too. Initially I would rush home every 2 hours to feed but then that got old. I then transitioned to feeding him in the back of the car with my Balboa cover up thingy (which btw I'm a pro at using). LOL. Once again I had to get over the awkwardness of that thing. And finally I breastfed my baby in public (covered up of course). But I've breastfed in the park, at restaurants, in the mall. Whenever my baby has to eat I just feed him and I no longer have anxieties about doing so. It feels really good. Sounds simple but it was a process to get to where I am now.
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| Nursing my baby at Jordan Lake on a beautiful Spring Day |
Have you ladies nursed in public? If so, what was your experience like? What do you think about breastfeeding in public? Any funny public nursing stories? Tips for new or future nursing mothers? Tips for transitioning back to work?
Mrs. K
It's definitely an adjustment. I also worried about people seeing where I ought I'd covered up but a hungry, crying baby will definitely help you get over that pretty quickly! Hahaha
ReplyDeleteGlad it's going well for you. I wish I could have exclusively breasted, but I'm one that didn't produce enough with my last two babies. :( But I worked it as long as I could :)
Isn't it a great feeling to look at your baby's chunky thighs or chubby cheeks and know that you provided him with the nourishment to get those cute baby rolls?!
ReplyDeleteI love Amy's comment about being responsible for the "baby rolls" sweet. I'm glad you have gotten comfy with breastfeeding. Seeing that photo of you with your little boy is really sweet. I'm so glad that you are now able to enjoy a gorgeous day outdoors and freely nurse. I will also nurse in the future if I can.
ReplyDelete*My friends who went back to work would pump at work and pump a bunch in preparation for going back to work so that the baby has breast milk to feast on. Some mom's transition to a bottle before they go back others don't seems to be fine either way I guess it depends on the baby. I'm glad you have this wonderful time to bond with him.
yay for breastfeeding! I went through the same emotions you did with my first. it still tickles me that some people object to a baby nursing in public and expect moms to take it to the bathroom, like they'd eat their meals on a toilet
ReplyDeleteRania: So glad to hear from you! I miss you blogging. I don't produce a lot but I started pumping pretty early. I'm hoping my supply will last a while.
ReplyDeleteAmy: You said it right Amy. LOL
Monique: I do plan to pump at work too. Breastfeeding does allow me to bond with him but my husband bottle feeding him also allows him to bond also :)
Teresha: LMBO. So true.
I loved breastfeeding as you know. I never did get comfortable with breastfeeding in public but I did it cause I had too. I was always so afraid that someonw would see me. But I did it anyway. I do need to get a better cover for when the next one comes along. I think the cover has a lot to do with it. It does get harder when they are older and try pulling the cover down. You'll see, lol.
ReplyDeleteproud of u! yep i nurse at church, airport basically if my child is hungry...ive even shopped nursing her :) once we both got really comfortable with the art i pop any cover and start nursing...really convenient for me since i nurse on demand rather than a schedule
ReplyDeleteGreat of you to nurse in public. I never understood the issue with this. I nursed my son and now daughter whenever and wherever. I'm surprised that there is ever any backlash from this. By the way, I have that same nursing drape.
ReplyDeleteIts funny to see that. I thought all women that nursed were comfortable, but I wasn't. I would take mine to a different room or have a cover up. Once I went back to work with my first, I pumped and transitioned to formula though so I never had time to "get comfortable" with it. When I started staying at home, it was easy to just be home. My errands and other to do's don't take long.
ReplyDeletei love breastfeeding
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