Changing my Breastfeeding Standards!

by Megan Fulghum

What can I say about breastfeeding that any other mother who has had the experience can say? I always knew, from the moment I found out I was pregnant, I wanted to breastfeed. But, I did not know how my own personal experience would change my initial standards I set for myself concerning breastfeeding.

I figured, hey, nurse until Taylor is around 6 months old; that is what my mother did for me and my sister. By then, she will be too old/big and I will wean her with no trouble. Currently, she is 4 months old, and I have no intention of weaning until she is good and ready! For all I care, we can continue this beautiful relationship until she is 2 years old! I want to give her the best nutrition, as well as the best bonding experience that I can. Why quit? I mean really, I actually will mourn the day it comes! While I may face some opposition from family (generally the older side), I will happily and healthfully nurse my toddler as she feels it is needed.

Public nursing was another area that I felt sure I would feel strongly about; namely in terms of never doing it! I knew I would never feed my child while sitting on a toilet, but hey, find a dressing room in a department store, maybe go out to the car, these are acceptable places. This lasted about 2 shopping trips. I came to the realization that Taylor had a right to eat when she was hungry. How unfair was it of me to cram us in a little room, or make a B line for the car from the other side of the planet simply to settle my own inhibitions? I won't lie; the first time I publicly nursed was a bit scary. What if I accidentally show myself? What if I offend someone? What is a non-breastfed child asks questions to their parents and they get angry with me? But you know what, it really doesn't matter. My child is hungry, and I don't get offended when they shove a bottle of formula in their child's mouth. Besides, it is our culture that has deemed this wonderful action inappropriate. There is nothing wrong with nourishing my baby. Of course, I try my best to be modest; I mean, I don't just strip down in the middle of the aisle! But, I will sit in the food court, walk up and down the aisle in K-Mart, or greet people at the entrance of the store on the bench with a milky grinned baby and conversation about our public nursing if anyone really cares to discuss it.

Knowing that you are going to breastfeed and knowing how your attitude and perspectives will change about it are two completely different things. Just like the old saying, you never know until you try it! I am not ashamed to say that I will breastfeed as long as I can, child and God willing, and that I will do it anywhere my daughter needs it.