I Do Not Take it For Granted
I have always wanted to nurse my children. I saw my mother do it with my younger siblings and knew for me it was something I wanted with my own babies. Before Elise was born my mama friends told me that it may take some time and it isn't always easy. I didn't worry too much about it and looked forward to actually being able to try it out.
That first night in the hospital I tried to nurse her but she just wouldn't latch on. Now, in case you don't know I am well endowed. Sorry to be blunt but it's true. My little one had this teeny tiny mouth and it just wasn't happening. Over the next few weeks we would try everyday. I pumped and fed her from the bottle or try the nipple shield which was a very time consuming process, as some of you know. Everybody I talked to including the lactation specialist told me to just be patient and not give up.
I prayed. I prayed everyday that she would nurse.
After 6 weeks of this I didn't think I could take it anymore. I wanted this so badly and I didn't want to give up. I was returning to work soon and knew that I wouldn't be able to keep up the same routine at work. She was going to have to start nursing or take a bottle. After 6 weeks of nipple shields, pumping, and bottles, it happened. I took my friend Maggi's advice which was nurse her and use nothing else and my cousin Stacie's advice of try at least 10min a day. miraculously she latched on.
I know there are many who can't nurse or choose not to. I am sensitive to that, and do not wish to make anyone feel bad. I am just expressing my gratitude and sharing my experience.
For me it is something that I do not take for granted.
7 comments:
I am a little nervous about breastfeeding when that time comes for me, but I appreciate you sharing your experience so that if it is hard I won't get discouraged!
I have been down both roads. Marcus was a great nurser and thats all he wanted and it was great but both of my girls did not suck well and hurt the crap out of me and I gave up on both of them but I think it was really that it wasn't in my mind. Thats where it all starts and my mind wasn't willing to be patient.
It's finally working with #3 for me! I too am way excited and did and still do alot of praying that it worked! It's not easy and is painful, but I am so thankful that I am able to nurse and hope to keep it up!
Wow! You are amazing. I don't think I could have endured. Kudos to you!
For me nursing was the most wonderful mom and baby time, despite the engorgement and the infections and rashes and the feeling like a 24 hour milking machine. Plus it's so much healthier for the baby and it makes your tummy shrink faster.
Oh, I'm so happy for you! Sorry it's taken me so long to check up on you; I know I'm way late with this comment. Just glad you hung in there- you are a trooper! Even though I gave you that advice, I don't know if I would have lasted as long as you did! :)
It pays to keep trying. I cried when both my kids were done breatfeeding.
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