I will admit the first week or two of breastfeeding is challenging. Your milk comes in and you feel like you have switched bodies with Dolly Parton, your nipples are sore as they adjust to their new role, and you and your little one try to master this new process. However, everyday gets easier and before you know it you realize there is nothing to it!
In a typical day I would breastfeed every 2-3 hours. I always planned to get up ahead of my little boy so I could sneak in some breakfast before I fed him, but those late night feedings take a toll on a girl so getting up early usually didn’t happen. For breakfast I usually just grabbed a box of cereal or some bread and the jar of peanut butter as we made our way to our ‘feeding spot’ on the couch. Before picking out my outfit for the day, I always asked myself, “How quickly can I get my boob out?” Brody had no patience for uncooperative clothing.
Before we left the hospital I remember one of the nurses saying, “Just wait, soon you will be walking around the house doing your chores while you feed him.” At the time I laughed, but I quickly realized that it is true! Cooking while breastfeeding is not an option, so the time of day that lunch and supper were prepared depended on the daily breastfeeding schedule. The freezer was usually filled with leftovers for days when Brody fed around the clock.
I ran errands when my husband got home from work, in the evening. Going out, while Brody stayed home meant pumping milk ahead of time. If not, I would likely be heading home to feed a hungry baby before my errands were finished. I liked to joke that breastfeeding means that you are on call 24/7!
Breastfeeding is definitely a full time job and requires complete commitment from moms, but it is an experience that can be matched by no other. It gives me great pride to know that I gave my baby the very best start by breastfeeding, and I know that we have shared an experience together that he can share with no one else. What can I say, he’s a boob man!
My name is Mary Ellen Marsh. I have a 16 month old little boy named Brody and am expecting our second bundle of joy in March, 2011. I am a registered dietitian by trade, but I am currently a stay-at[..]
Great blog Mary Ellen! Hopefully it will give moms the encouragement they need to breastfeed, knowing that everyone faces some intial challenges but the benefits are so rewarding for both mom and baby.
Very true..it is definately a challenge, but worth every second because what is more important than your little baby.
Hi Mary Ellen, Thanks for sharing the realities of your breastfeeding experience. I think it is extremely important to talk about the realities of breastfeeding and parenting. This is tough work and requires a huge commitment from mothers, their partners and families. It is definitely worth it and makes a big impact on your child’s and your health for a life time.
Great Blog! Your ability to balance breastfeeding and everyday life is truely amazing and takes alot of organization and dedication.