I Am A Good Baby

by Debbi Knox IBCLC, RLC, LE

I am a good baby
Even when I'm not sleeping.
Though you tell my grandma
I sleep four hours without peeping.

I am a good baby when I wake just to see you.
I am a good baby when I want to be near you.
I am a good baby when I know I am hungry.
I am a good baby when I want you to hug me.

When I'm in your arms there is peace in my world.
With my hand in yours and our fingers are curled
I can grow. I can eat. I can sleep with no rules.
Because I am a good baby. You and me, we're a duo.

Feed me the best food that money can't buy.
Hold me and nurse me without asking why.
Don't give me powder milk just so I'll sleep.
Sometimes I just need the company we keep.

I am a good baby
Even when I'm not sleeping
For four hours time
Like some grown ups are thinking.

Soon I'll sleep all night
Just like all the others.
Just listen to me, if you will,
My Sweet Mother.

I am a good baby together with you.
You need not make excuses if I don't sleep through.
Feed me the best food that no money can buy.
Just give me your milk for my health. Don't ask why.

Let others just wonder
Why YOU know it's best
To give me your milk
And love me above all the rest.

I am a good baby
I'll tell you once more.
Awake or asleep for one hour or four.
Thank goodness you love me
Enough to give me the best.
Just hold me and keep me
We'll both get our rest.
Love, Baby

I am a lactation consultant working in Lakewood, Washington.
I work at a WIC office where we help mothers with breastfeeding so that they are successful and don't need to have formula for their babies.
I so often hear the mothers say "but if she drinks formula she sleeps so much longer".
As if this is something that's good.
For this reason I wrote this poem.