breastfeeding ninja

The choice to breastfeed wasn't so much of a choice for us but more of a matter of circumstance. While pregnant I was of course aware of the studies and such that show that breast milk is a healthy choice for babies. I was determined to make a good attempt at it but wasn't really that gung ho about since I myself was formula-fed and turned out just fine.

I consider myself blessed that breastfeeding ended up working for us since I know it is such a struggle for a lot of moms. We definitely had our share of struggles especially the first week since my milk did not come in until day 5 and Max had jaundice and was losing weight. Thank God for awesome pediatricians who were so helpful not just in treating his jaundice but in keeping me encouraged about breastfeeding. We still have our struggles even now though. We're actually going through one now which may be due to him teething or just having a lousy latch. Hopefully we'll get through this one since I'm thinking I'll try to nurse until his 1st year or at least until I get a job.

Aside from the obvious advantage in that it is free, I've also learned to actually enjoy the now requisite extra cuddle time with Max. It has actually been demonstrated that a suckling baby triggers oxytocin release in moms which may account for the immense feeling of "OMG you are so cute, I love you and would do anything for you" I get everytime I nurse. In the early weeks it did sometimes feel like a chore because it hurt and he needs fed so often and I have to be ready to drop whatever it is I am doing to nurse. And of course it always took him forever! He still nurses every three hours or so now during the day but he's dropped his late night and early morning feeding which is amazing. He also only nurses for about 20 minutes at a time now compared to the hour he used to take before.

Why am I telling you all this now? Well I guess I just wanted to share my experiences with breastfeeding and how it has worked out for us. Also now we've gotten to the point where I could nurse anywhere. The best time/place yet was yesterday at Church during the message. I figured my baby needing fed shouldn't keep me from being fed as well. It's surprising to me how subtle nursing can be that most people would not notice it at all. I of course also used my nursing cover but I've nursed in public before without it (at the airport, in planes etc.,) and still been pretty well-covered. That's why I've decided I've gotten to the point where I could call myself a breastfeeding ninja.

Speaking of which, my 3 hours is up and someone needs fed. Here's to the next oxytocin rush!