Amongst Stringfields

I made it. I made it to my goal of nursing Miles for 9 months! Woohoo! (Queue confetti drop). And now that I’ve reached my goal, I find myself contemplating whether I should continue nursing or begin my adventure weaning. I’ve made it this far… so whats another 3 months right? I’m still weighing my options but, as of right now I am defiantly leaning towards transitioning out of breastfeeding since our little guy is teething (Ouch!).  

Before I had Miles I was pretty nervous about nursing. I was so scared of how much it was going to hurt and, I was ESPECIALLY freaked out at how my boobs would look after (selfish, I know… See my post aboutBoobsto learn more). I was naive and, I absolutely had no idea how wonderful the experience would actually turn out to be.

Having said that, It wasn’t easy for me to get here. There were days I wanted to quit, days where I felt chained to my baby and, days that I wanted someone else to help. Even on the days that I felt so sore, I would look down at my nursing baby and think, ” Wow, I can’t believe that something that came from my body continues to sustain and nurture you.” It was these moments that motivated me to continue breastfeeding. These intimate moments are unforgettable and forms a bond between Mom and Baby that truly holds fast to a mothers heart. Words truly can’t explain how wonderful and natural it is until you experience it all on your own. 

It’s amazing to see how something I was so hesitant and unsure about turn into something that I love and enjoy. What started out as fear, unfolded into a woefully beautiful experience that only could God design. I am so grateful that I was able to have this experience and nurse Miles for as long as I have.

The benefits of breastfeeding are so clear and speaking from my own experience, it has not only helped me develop a special bond between myself and my son, it has also helped me loose my pregnancy weight as well! I am the skinniest I’ve ever been. Who would’ve thought that it was even possible! According to the Baby center, ” Breast milk is best for your baby, and the benefits of breastfeeding extend well beyond basic nutrition. In addition to containing all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs in the first six months of life, breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect your baby from illness. That’s one reason the American Academy of Pediatricsrecommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (although any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial). And scientific studies have shown that breastfeeding is good for your health, too”. 

I didn’t get this far without the help from some of my favorite products. Please see my list below for my absolute must haves for any nursing mama! I hope that wherever you are on your breastfeeding journey, you do whats best for you and your baby. Don’t feel pressured one way or another and trust your instincts! You’ve got this Mama!