We welcomed our second baby boy into the world on March 18th. This time around was a much different experience for us.
Our first little boy was born 9 weeks early so there was no opportunity for skin to skin or breastfeeding for quite some time. I was able to carry this baby to term, so I made it very clear to the doctors and nurses that when he was born I wanted to do skin to skin immediately. The staff was so wonderful, in fact they let Hudson lay on my chest for an hour and a half before they even took him and weighed him.
It was one of the greatest things I have ever experienced.
Breastfeeding this time around is wonderful…I don’t have to pump my milk or use a nipple shield, as I did with my first little boy. I can’t tell you what a great feeling it is. It is amazing how quickly you forget all of the wonderful little perks that come along with breastfeeding.
When we are packing up to go somewhere and I am trying to estimate how long we will be gone and get snacks ready for our oldest boy, Brody, I don’t have to worry about Hudson because as long as I’m there he is all set. I never have to worry about finding someplace to warm up a bottle if we are out, I don’t have to wash or sterilize bottles.
I forgot how much I love going to the breast feeding clinics and watching the numbers on the scale and feeling so proud with his weight gains each week. I love that he always looks to make sure I am there when someone else is holding him (even if he is just making sure that his food isn’t too far away).
I love the way he looks at me and smiles because he knows I am his mom. There are so many reasons why I love breastfeeding so much, and on the days it gets tough I remind myself of them all. Most of all I love the moments that we share together in the night when the house is quiet and it is just he and I and I look into his beautiful little eyes and fall in love all over again.
What are the special moments you look forward to, are experiencing, or remember in breastfeeding your child?
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[..]
Many, many, many congrats on the birth of your new babe!
I look forward to educating others about “extended” breastfeeding as I continue to nurse my son (who is currently 15 months old).
I am currently loving the fact that breastfeeding is so much for than nutrition for him. It calms him down when he’s upset, comforts him when he’s hurt, and is a sure-fire way to quickly get him back to sleep at night.
I remember the first time I breastfed my son in the recovery room at the hospital after a particularly traumatic scheduled c-section. I didn’t get to do much skin-to-skin, let alone right after his birth, and I am so very grateful that the hospital staff bent the rules so he could nurse while I was MIA for 3.5 hours.
As I read your blog I had tears in my eyes. I’m so happy that you are enjoying your quiet moments with Hudson. They are yours to treasure and cherish forever!