Why I (Still) Love Breastfeeding
Sleep is elusive at the Casa del Storrs. I'm just over seven months into mommy-hood, and still waking about three times a night to feed my little angel. I thought for sure I'd start eliminating feedings here and there as she got older and began to rely on food more, but I find myself actually adding in daytime feedings (and unintentionally adding them at night as well) to account for her growth and development. Like most women, I had a rocky start with breastfeeding. I won't go into detail, but suffice it to say, it involved quite a few frantic text messages to my mommy support circle. A good friend told me that for the first 40 days or so, I could expect the difficulty level to be about a 7-8 out of 10. But she encouraged me to persevere because after that initially challenging period, it would drop down to a 1 or 2. She was absolutely right.
Research is pretty clear when it comes to the value of breastfeeding. From the health benefits for the child to the alluring promise of weight loss for mom, it is certainly worth giving breastfeeding the ol' college try. Though I think it's important to recognize that many women face challenges with breastfeeding and should feel free to make the choices that are best for their own family, I found it personally encouraging that there are so many resources available today for support. I was pretty gung-ho about breastfeeding from the start (being the hippie that I am), but even without some of the more challenging problems (tongue tie, low milk supply, etc.), I found myself ready to give up more than once. I'm so thankful for the women who encouraged me in the process, and am glad that I have been able to continue this far.
Beyond the medical and social benefits (Airport security? A breeze.), the main reason I love breastfeeding is far more personal. As a working mom, there is nothing more lovely at the end of a long work day than laying down on my bed to nurse my baby. It makes me slow down – take a moment to pray and be thankful. And for a little one who can't yet talk to me about her day, it provides a moment of "check in." Are you ok, baby? Mommy is here to cuddle with you. Mommy takes good care of you. You are safe. You are loved.
These moments are deep and profound. They reach beyond the precious pleasure of connecting with my daughter to remind me of the richness of being called a child of God. How perfectly He provides for my needs, how gentle His guidance. He wakes with me in my darkest hour and offers sweet, sweet comfort.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11