Breastfeeding: one year on

Breastfeeding: day 1.

When asked about the first word that came to mind about breastfeeding, I answered "natural." Women have been giving birth and nursing their children since time immemorial. I believe that breastfeeding is normal, a natural course of event, and is expected of mothers.

No one in the first and only breastfeeding support group I attended shared my thoughts. Even as I look back now, I realize that the breastfeeding moms who were there also do not view breastfeeding anywhere near "natural."

When I finally nursed Caitlin, I realize that my expectations have been misplaced. My belief that breastfeeding as a natural course of life for women is now in the remote past.

I learned that the practice has been lost to a lot of women and mothers today. I, myself, was not breastfed long enough for my mom to know what to expect when you are breastfeeding. So this is also why breastfeeding support groups are very important. Without them, it's too easy to fall into the trap of feeding your child formula thinking that you do not have enough breastmilk to give. Without them, it's too easy to give up at the first sign of nipple tenderness thinking that it will only get worse. Without them, it's too easy to give up breastfeeding all together because of the many interrupted sleeps thinking that you'll never sleep tight again with a baby suckling from you.  

There is a wealth of knowledge in books and internet about breastfeeding, but nothing will comfort you best than a loved one or a fellow breastfeeding mom.

If I wasn't nearly due, I would have attended the succeeding meetings and stayed longer to bond and learn more from the breastfeeding moms in attendance. It could have saved me the embarrasment of talking to complete strangers, as if I have no other family and friends to help me, about what I am doing wrong and how to correct my breastfeeding booboos. They could have told me how silly the word "natural" is to breastfeeding and explain why. I would have learned the proper latch, ways to prevent nipple injury and engorgement. Or, simply, tell me how my life would completely change and revolve around the time when my baby feeds from me.


Many thank yous


My determination and perseverance to continue breastfeeding Caitlin would have been nothing if it weren't for my husband Jay, a total stranger and now friend Cha Antinero, breastfeeding advocate Miann Reyes-Oblea, a college friend and mom-of-two Mara Evangelista, and my co-blogger Raquel Chua.

Thank you for all the virtual pats in the back and you-can-do-its. I share my one-year breastfeeding milestone with you, and I am sure that Caitlin is thanking you, too.

Breastfeeding: Day 366. (Because 2012 is a leap year).

- Mommy Smiley