Breastfeeding for a Year
A Reflection
Why is this such an accomplishment? Well to be honest with you, it is an accomplishment because not only is it the best possible nutrition I can provide for my child, but it has been a personal struggle to make it this long.
Breastfeeding is wonderful, but breastfeeding is also a major committment. You are committing to being with your child pretty much 24-7.
Now I am not saying I have not left the side of my dear daughter at all over the past year. I definately have, and I do own a breastpump that I have broken out to prepare for a rare night on the town with my husband. that's just it. Yes you can leave your child, but you have to prepare to do so. You have to pump in advance, store the milk, worry that you won't have enough, and I could just go on.
I am not saying poor me. This was and still is a personal choice. I have no regrets, I don't feel sorry for myself. I am simply saying that breastfeeding is work. Yes, work. It is natural and loving and nurturing, but it takes a lot of work, and dedication and effort on not only the mom and baby, but the whole family.
That being said I will continue to breastfeed my daughter for another year. Why if it is work? Because simply put breastfeeding is something special and amazing. It is a gift that only you can give your child and one that will impact your child for the rest of their lives. The intimate act of producing and giving a child milk from your body is simply amazing.
Published by Robin Neorr
I'm a tree hugging stay at home mom with an extensive career in Advertising and Marketing that is on hiatus while I enjoy raising my two children. View profile
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17 Comments
Post a CommentGood for you. You go girl!
Great insight! I'm nearly at 8 months with my son... I hope to make it to a year!
Nice article - it's a big commitment, and the best possible nutrition (not to mention bonding!) for your child. Good for both of you!
my wife is working on month 8
I breastfed my daughter for almost two years, and I loved every single moment. Enjoy the closeness while you can. As she grew older I knew it would finally have to come to an end, and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
Yay! Congratulations! My daughter has been nursing for 16 months, and I will continue to nurse her (and the little one in my belly!) until at least the age of two. Good for you on making it this far, and good luck on the rest of your journey together. :-)
I bottle fed my first 2 and nursed my third. Honestly besides the closeness, I noticed no difference in health. All 3 of my kids had and still have allergies.
this is wonderful I breast fed my youngest two sorry to say back inthe 70's the formula companies tried to make you feel like a bad mother if you nursed, so I didnt my oldest two, still makes me sad, they also had allergies, which I dont think they would have if I would have nursed. Ihate those * forumula advertisers!
Very good, but it looks like Katherine M. holds the record of 2.5 years.
very nice article about your relationship w/ your child