by Jennifer Dzen
October 14th is fast approaching, and it is a very special
day for me for two reasons. It is my oldest child's birthday, and it
is also my five-year anniversary of continuous breastfeeding!
My husband and I are blessed with three beautiful children. Daniel,
who will be turning 5 on October 14th, nursed for two years and eight
months. He nursed throughout my second pregnancy and weaned when his
sister, Megan, was 1 month old. I think he realized his baby sister
needed to nurse more than he did.
Megan nursed for 14 months. When she was 5 months old we found out
that I was pregnant with our third child. I was immediately worried
about my milk supply decreasing due to my pregnancy. I vowed to nurse
Megan as long as she wanted to nurse, even if it meant long-term
tandem nursing with our new baby.
During my pregnancy, Megan began nursing only at bed time and during
the night. The last time she nursed was three minutes before my water
broke.
Daniel and Megan now had a new baby brother Adam. Coming home from the
hospital, I was so nervous about nursing in front of Megan. I didn't
know if she would ask to nurse or if it would upset her to see Adam
nursing. Much to my surprise, she loved sitting with me while Adam
nursed and she never asked to nurse again.
Adam is now 14 months and is still nursing. He usually only nurses to
fall asleep or when he wakes up at night. He is too busy playing with
Daniel and Megan during the day to nurse.
When I look at my three precious children I am amazed to think that my
body has nourished their little bodies and kept them so healthy. I am
so thankful to have shared this special bond with all three of our
children. So on October 14th, when we celebrate my son's 5th birthday,
I will give myself a big hug and thank my body for giving my children
and myself such a special gift!
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