I always planned to breastfeed, but I've never been overly passionate about it. There are those people who are die hard advocates for breastfeeding, and are negative about formula. If you don't breastfeed, no big deal, just feed your baby. All the information about how healthy breastfeeding is speaks for itself, but there are plenty of reasons not to. Honestly, none of the normal reasons are why I'm breastfeeding. Most people advocate for breastfeeding because of the health benefits for both mom and child, or the bond that it creates.
I'm breastfeeding because my mom breastfed me. That's oversimplifying it. My mom breastfed me until I was over 2. That's a little embarrassing to write, but it shouldn't be. Extended breastfeeding has an incredible amount of benefits, but I doubt my mom was reading articles about it. She did what she thought was best for me. I was the baby of the family, my older siblings are twins, and she was a stay at home mom. All those aspects gave her more than enough reasons and the ability to breastfeed me as long as possible. Being the baby, she had the ability to breastfeed as long as she wanted because they weren't having any more children. She knew I needed the extra attention because having older siblings that are twins is rough. Plus, she didn't have to worry about going back to work, and the inconvenience that creates for a breastfeeding mom.
So many people still make jokes and judge that she breastfed me for so long, but I imagine she got even more judgement when it was happening. She has never once complained, and didn't let other people's perception stop her. I don't plan on breastfeeding for two years, but I know that my daughter deserves that same love and dedication my mom gave me.
All the beautiful, loving, sentimental aspects of breastfeeding don't make it any easier though. I did go into it knowing that I would breastfeed as long as possible. A year being my goal, but I never thought of it as a goal. I have always said I am breastfeeding until a year. That's what helps you get through the first weeks. If you don't have that goal then you're way more likely to be switching to formula because breastfeeding is hard!
There is so much information out there to help with breastfeeding, but everyone's experience is unique. In the next few weeks I'll be sharing the first weeks of breastfeeding, and all the tips and tricks I've learned through lactation consultants, nurses, and family.
xoxo,
kelsey
