The one thing I have to say about breastfeeding is that it is hard work. Seriously HARD WORK. I never expected it to be this hard. When I was pregnant I thought that I would be able to just make milk and have this amazing supply. I had no idea it would take so long for my milk to come in and that I would struggle to keep up my supply. I have to actively try to keep things going. I can see how some women can decide to give up. I am not trying to say that moms who stop breastfeeding are bad or that I am better than they are in any way. I admire the fact that they have tried. Sometimes our bodies work against us. I have talked to so many moms who want to continue breastfeeding but their bodies have decided it was time to stop. I have been lucky. I work at it, but I think its a 50 - 50 mix. Part is me working actively at pumping, drinking my tea, and eating the right foods. The other part is just nature.
So what is this rant all about? I guess to say that its good to at least try. The more you can breastfeed the better. Even if you don't have the supply to nurse exclusively, even the smallest amounts are good for baby, and also good for mom too. If you have to supplement, do it. But if you are making your milk but its hard, try and persevere. Make the choice to keep pushing, and in the end, you may be happily surprised. It hurts in the beginning, but keep going. You will get numb and your babies will figure it out and it wont hurt anymore. I guess, just keep going. You can do this. If you are at a point where you feel it is too hard, try to change your mindset and push forward. Think of you baby and how much you enjoy the bonding time and let that fuel you to keep pushing.
That is what I do, and my boys are 9 months and I am still breastfeeding. The next couple posts will focus more specifically on some of the steps I take each day to promote lactation.
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