photo credit: christyscherrer
I was having a look around the Internet today, searching for blogs written by other mothers about their own experiences with breastfeeding, when I hit upon a number of mothers involved in the March Carnival of Breastfeeding. This month, a number of blogging mothers are writing about what they find to be their own joys of breastfeeding.
Choosing to breastfeed my son was a personal choice. One that involved encouragement from my own mother and husband, my education and my desire to try and do something that my body was made to do. I am thrilled that my transition into breastfeeding was a relatively smooth one, as I was all too aware of the challenges many mothers face when attempting to initiate and maintain breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is a personal bond that my son and I share. It is special alone time for the two of us. We do nothing other than cuddle and nurse.
My son enjoys feeding. When he comes off the breast and smiles at me, my heart melts. When he is tired, upset or hungry I am able to soothe him.
Breastmilk is, nutritionally, the best food I can offer my boy. Enough said.
Breastfeeding is convenient. I never have to worry about bottles, formula or sterilising. My breastmilk is freely available to my boy at the right temperature in a convenient and sterilized form. I don’t worry about how many ounces of milk my son is taking. I trust him to consume as much milk as he needs.
Breastfeeding makes me happy. I love the way I am able to nuture my son in a way nobody else can. I love the way it is soothing for him. I savour every moment we spend together.
My son is thriving. He is a happy, healthy breastfed baby. He sleeps well and has never had a problem with colic. My son’s pediatrician continues to support my decision to breastfeed and complements me on my efforts.
Breastfeeding makes me feel feminine. I am doing what my body is designed to do.
Overall, the breastfeeding relationship between my son and I works. It works well. We both enjoy it and my son is thriving. I hear much feedback from other mothers about how breastfeeding did not work for them that I thought it important to take the time to reflect on some of the more positive aspects of breastfeeding.
What do you find to be your own joys in breastfeeding?
