by Kristen Commins
When my second daughter, Kiera, was born in February of this year, I was
determined to breastfeed her. I breastfed my first daughter for only 2
months, and I wanted to nurse Kiera for at least one year.
During our hospital stay, I had all of the usual difficulties. I had very sore breasts
but I knew that would get better. I was also nursing just about every hour
by her second day. Things were looking bad.
By the time we got home, I was ready to quit. My husband was the one who
got me through it. He would get up with me every hour and rub my back. He
would tell me it was worth it. He was wonderful. Then, in the morning, he
would get up with our 2 year old and take care of her so I could try to
sleep longer. At night, he would rock the baby and hum to her so that I
could get a jump-start on sleep.
When Kiera was 3 weeks old, I was rushed to the Emergency Room at 4 am
with a kidney stone. I was not able to breastfeed for 4 days, because they
had to give me morphine. I still didn't quit. My husband would bring me my
pump, and he would give Kiera her bottles.
Then, when Kiera was 5 weeks old, I got a mastitis infection
that left me immobile for 2 days! I continued to nurse, with unending support from my husband. When we got past
that, I got another mastitis infection in my other breast. I was so ready
to call it quits. My husband reminded me of everything we'd already been
through, and I knew I could continue.
Now that Kiera is seven months old, we have such a wonderful routine.
She loves to nurse and I've never been so close to anyone in my life! She
loves her Daddy in a special way, too. I know that she knows that he's the
reason her life is so happy. After everything we've been through, nothing
can stop us now!
Kiera has never been sick, and I've never seen a happier
baby! I also need to thank breastfeeding.com for the consistent
encouragement and inspiration.
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