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My Breastfeeding Story,Conclusion/Part 6.
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Please be sure to read My Breastfeeding Story-Intro, Part 1 before you read this, so you can have the whole story.
Don't forget about the other boys' stories...if you haven't already read them:
Cole's Story-Part 2
Conner's Story-Part 3
Caden's Story-Part 4
Calen's Story-Part 5
One Final Note
Cole, so far, is my only child that has ever had ear infections. He has had tubes placed twice and his aednoids removed. He continues to have chronic ear infections today. I don't know if this has anything to do with the fact that he missed the first 6 weeks of breastmilk, but I imagine it does. There is a reason they call colostrum "Liquid Gold".
Conner has never been sick, other than kidney related problems.
Caden was found to have a Growth Hormone Deficency, but is otherwise healthy.
So far, Calen is happy and healthy.
I am happy that I finally got the wonderful breastfeeding experience that I always wanted. I truely believe that breastfeeding support is extremely important. I would not have made it past the first few weeks with Cole, had it not been for the wonderful encouragement I received from my husband. Having someone stand by your side no matter what was wonderful.
I am also very grateful to have found a wonderful Lactation Consultant with Cole. She worked a miracle for us. I only wish I was still living close to her now. I have not been able to find a good Lactation Consultant here, and I know I really could have used one with Conner.
It saddens me that other mom's that are not as prepared as I was, would stop breastfeeding because of advice given by thier doctor or nurse. New mom's look to thier doctors to give them knowledgable advice and support. with the wrong suggestions from a dr., they may worry that they are damaging thier child by continuing to breastfeed.
Finding a friend who is breastfeeding is wonderful. You can find these friends anywhere. Online, next-door, or even talking to a family member who has been there can help you get through some hard times. You may not find someone who has been through exactly the same problems, but it helps to talk about it. It really helped to hear that it was o.k. To want to give up, but that I did not need to. I am glad I did not.
Because of my breastfeeding experience, I have decided to dedicate my life to helping breastfeeding moms. I enjoy sharing my experience with others and hope to encourage other mom's to continue breastfeeding. I also hope to help moms with special needs children learn to and continue to breastfeed. Because of my children, I now know what I want to do with my life.
I often wonder...If I did not have such a hard time breastfeeding, or had I just given up and formula fed, how much would the kids and I really have missed?
Thank you for reading my story. If you have gotten nothing else from reading this, please take these two things with you:
Be proud of you accomplishments. If you breastfed 5 hours, 5 weeks, or 5 years. If you feel you didn't do enough, build on your breastfeeding knowledge, and find the answers you need to help you next time.
Finally, and most importantly, breastfeeding doesn't have to be all or nothing. If you find you aren't making enough milk, or you need to suppliment for whatever reason, you can still continue to breastfeed. Even if you only nurse once a day, you have still given your child the best.
Please let me know if you stuck through and read all my posts. I'd like to think sharing my story was helpful for someone, and it gives me the encouragment to continue helping when I can. Thank you ALL for reading, for asking for help, and offering help to others!
Tags: Breastfeeding New Mom Baby Newborn First Time Difficulties Triumphs
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