31 Days of Breastfeeding Journeys | Day 6 | World Breastfeeding Week 2016
"Third times the charm! I am a proud mama of 3 beautiful children, a 12 and 10 yr old and a 7 1/2 mo. old. I had never attempted to breastfeed my two eldest as I honestly didn't think I could. This time around I was determined to try. I was more nervous about breastfeeding then labor! Spent hours researching before my little girl was born. Even went to a breastfeeding support group when I was only 4 months pregnant to learn more.
We sure endured our challenges for the first few weeks. I was in so much pain I cried every time my daughter latched on. I kept telling myself if we can make it to 6 weeks, we can do this! Lanolin was a MUST (could've had stock in it, I used it so much) and I had many moments of self doubt. It wasn't until I called the lactation consultant, Sarah I had met at the support group that I found relief. She helped us so much (my hero) and now it's like second nature. I would also call my sister for advice as she had nursed 2 babies already. Thankfully, my hubby was always supportive too. Having support was really helpful and key!
I initially planned to nurse for 6 mo or as long as I could. We are now at 7 1/2 months and going strong. Maybe a little too strong as she refuses bottles! She is a strong and healthy girl, in the 96th percentile. Since I am a marathon runner and she won't take a bottle, she has come to my races with me. I feed her at the start and finish lines! I was happy to see two other mamas doing the same at a recent race. It was nice encourage each other and say good job....not just on the race but with breastfeeding and running.
Nursing is my favorite way to bond with my daughter and we have this unexplainable connection I have never experienced before. Breastfeeding is beautiful on many levels and has been such a gift to be able to experience it." ~Alyssa
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