I came across this picture as I was looking for something else on the computer the other day. It had ended up in a totally unrelated folder and I had forgotten all about it.
I have a lot of breastfeeding pictures, but I think this one might be my favourite. It was taken on a very warm June day when my husband and I along with baby #1, a sweet little 15 month old at the time, went for a drive. We ended up at this spectacular waterfall and trail system near Colinet (Cataracts Provincial Park).
It was just one of those perfect days, you know? The sun was shining, it was the warmest day yet of the summer, and our little one was just starting to walk and talk. We were really enjoying her. I remember that we had sandwiches on the boardwalk, near the falls. Then she wanted to nurse and I was happy to oblige. We sat there nursing for awhile, just taking in the great scenery and relaxing.
My life has been a little chaotic lately and I guess the calmness of this scene appealed to me. It also made me think about the little breaks that breastfeeding gives me throughout the day, every day. It seems like I am always rushing off somewhere this fall. But, you know, I can never leave the house without sitting for at least a minute with baby #2 and nursing. Even though I sometimes have to cut these sessions short in order to be on time, it always leaves me with a sense of tranquility that I carry with me throughout my time away. And then when I return home, I barely have my boots off before my little one wants to nurse.
It feels like no matter how long we are separated for, nursing brings us back together. It also reminds me of how much my big baby still needs me and I need her. Maybe it’s the oxytocin or maybe it’s just being reminded of what’s really important in life. Either way, I’m a sucker for a little breastfeeding bliss.
Here’s an awesome article by a mom who took her “breastfeeding practice” to a whole new level.
Has anyone else ever felt this way? How do you achieve breastfeeding bliss?
Felicie is a teacher turned work at home mama to two busy little angels, aged 22 months and 4 and a half years. She is a proud member of La Leche League Canada and has helped to organize three World B[..]
This is so true. Christmas time especially is when a lot of people find their breastfeeding relationship stressed -all the running around and errands and people visiting. But if we view breastfeeding as a break from all that it can be a blissful experience.
Love this post! So true, indeed. Love the time I spend with my babes nursing. Just us
Thanks for the comments! Glad to hear that others have felt the same thing. It’s definitely not something that comes right away- takes awhile to get there I think.
The memories of that “bliss” become embedded in our memories of motherhood. Your desription is so accurate Felicie, and it is amazing how often that true bond is recalled when times become challenging at other stages in our child’s life journey. Savour those moments, mommies!
Thanks, Janet! I hope I will remember my nursing days fondly. I’ve never done anything before with such commitment- both mentally and physically.