Breastfeeding: Lessons learned along the way
Time and experience has shaped me...
I always knew I wanted to breastfeed, but never anticipated difficulties along the way. While my personal journey was mostly smooth, I have witnessed many mothers with obstacles, and now know that this journey looks different for everyone.
I anticipated only breastfeeding my babies for "ONE year," because anything past that was "unnecessary." Slowly, I found myself breastfeeding each of my babies a little longer along the way, at 1 year with my first, 2 years with my second, and 3 years with my last. The benefits of breastfeeding longer astounded me, and I started to figure "Why not?"
Breastfeeding at Costco photo cred: Beloved Bits
I used to fear the thought of breastfeeding in public, worrying about the opinions of others, always wearing a cover, and wondering how I could manage things like breastfeeding and eating at a restaurant (or other dual tasks). Along my journey, I slowly started caring less about others and more about my RIGHT to feed my baby in public. The cover slowly disappeared, and soon I was breastfeeding while cooking dinner, wiping toddler bottoms, and even babywearing at the grocery store.
I would quickly agree with the common phrase "Breast is best," knowing all the benefits not only for babies, but also mothers. While I absolutely still encourage all mothers to be informed, I started to learn respect for mothers who chose not to breastfeed, whether having physical or emotional limitations, or even just personal choice.
Anne nursed her last baby for 3 years
I assumed weaning was something a mother simply "decided" and then "followed through with," never imagining obstacles. My first baby threw me by surprise when HE started weaning at 11 months and I wasn't ready. When weaning my last baby I imagined that 3 years of breastfeeding would make it easier to let go, and it wasn't (this is me photographed with him and capturing the ending of our journey this past December.)
I have grown so much in my breastfeeding journey, and would like to use this week to honor that. May YOU feel honored as well, regardless of what your journey entails. Please share with us anything YOU learned along the way.
Our guest blogger is Anne Homan, a former early childhood education teacher and mother to 3 children. Anne is a well-loved and experienced DONA certified doula, a certified prenatal and postpartum fitness instructor, and all around pelvic floor and core fitness enthusiast. She loves CrossFit and Jazzercis and being out in nature. She founded and leads a local group “Mama Moves” in her community in Amelia Island, Florida. Her passion is to educate women in their birthing choices, and encourage them through their postpartum journey. Anne is certified to teach Birth Ball Basics™, Postpartum Recovery® Fitness and Pelvic Floor, Core & More™. We are blessed to have her in our instructor family.