Disclaimer

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

I have added some links about breastfeeding and feel the need to add a bit of a disclaimer here. Yes I nursed Elaina for 16 months, and yes I am nursing Liam of course. However, I dont pass judgement on mothers who formula feed. I formula fed Andrew, I have been there. I am very glad and grateful that I did nurse Elaina, and now Liam. The breastfeeding relationship I have (and had) with my babies are the most rewarding thing I have ever done. And that is why I post links to articles, and talk about it. Not because I think its awful to feel formula. I attempted to breastfeed Andrew but after a difficult hospital stay with him in the NICU and getting bottles, I gave up after about 10 days. Afterwards, I felt sad at the loss of that. Not that we ever really had it. So when I was pregnant with Elaina I was determined to breastfeed. And I did - through horrible latches, cracked and blistered nipples, mastitis, plugged ducts. But it was worth it. It has been much easier with Liam. I feel like I have a lot of experience to offer - a failed breastfeeding relationship, a difficult but then rewarding one, and now an easier one (knock on wood!), though still presenting challenges here and there. None of this is to say that its easy and great and peachy every moment. Sure there are struggles, annoyances and some pain sometimes. But overall, I find it to be so worthwhile and that is why I am in the process to be a La Leche League leader.

So thats it. I just felt like elaborating on how I feel about all this.