Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Nursing a Toddler and Fellow Moms Support

Especially for all my AWESOME mommy friends!

Many of you may not know but I nursed Benton until just about a month ago. It's something that many women don't talk about because nursing a 2 year old is not exactly popular here in the U.S. I'm sure a lot of people thought I was crazy too ;) I say this because I am so PROUD that we made it that long and I was able to nourish him and have such a special bond. I STRUGGLED for at least Benton's first 6 weeks, having to pump and feed him a bottle, listening to him scream, being in extreme pain and just being so anxious, frustrated and sad about it not just coming naturally to me and him. And I cried A LOT. I felt rejected and deflated, but I WORKED every day to make it happen and luckily NEVER GAVE UP. I never set out to nurse him until he was 2- in fact my original goal was 6 months, but after having such a hard time (and him getting teeth at 4 months old) I decided I was going to let him make the decision and guide me when he was ready. It has been a beautiful journey that I would not trade for anything. Having it come to an end was EXTREMELY emotional for me! I felt that we were losing something that we'll never have again, but I know that it is for the best as I will be able to devote that special bonding time to his new little sister when the time comes. Any of you moms relate?
This is a picture of me shortly after delivery. I was in labor for 27 hours and pumped full of fluids so check out that nice puffy face! This was before I realized how difficult nursing would be for us and truly thought we would just catch right on!

I support and love all you mamas, whether you nurse for 2 weeks, nurse for 5 years, never try to nurse, or formula feed your kids. I have no judgement because I know how DIFFICULT it is to make these choices and figure out what is best for you and your family. I just want to say to ALL of you moms out there that you are doing an AMAZING job, regardless of what decisions you make and how easy things may or may not come to you with having little ones. It is a beautiful time but it can also be stressful and overwhelming (people usually don't tell you that part). I want you to know that you are NOT alone! We all go through so many ups and downs and do the best we can. Reach out to your fellow moms, your lactation consultant, your doctors, online support groups, anyone. I love meeting new moms and hearing your stories! If you ever feel like you need an empathetic ear, I'm here! That is why I've started my New Moms Support Group, not only for healthy and fitness, but just as important, for bonding and support for us all to come together and lift each other UP instead of tearing each other down!