Gentle Mothering

I think the book "The Nursing Mother's Companion" was a huge, huge help for me. I may have given up on nursing without it. I truly believe that if you can stick it out the first 6 weeks then you can make it a year. Nursing was different with all of my children. I was fortunate to not have many problems with infections, plugged ducts, or engorgement. When I did have trouble I used the information in "The Nursing Mother's Companion," and it worked every time!

When my daughter was born, she was so laid back that she did not seem to be hungry. She would fall asleep at the breast, and nothing would seem to help. Anyway, on top of things she had a hard time latching AND sucking, and I was stressed with the anticipation of my husband leaving a week later for 7 1/2 weeks of job training. (Now he is home more than he was with his old job, so the sacrifice was worth it.)The hospital Lactaction Consultant bluntly stated "I told her what to do, she just needs to do it" in regards to using a syringe and "finger feeding" to supplement, and the Leactation "specialist" who came to my house seemed so bent on one way for helping every mother
(a very scheduled way that resulted in me having to lay my screaming daughter down to pump after feedings that were not going well), she failed to address personal struggles.

Unfortunately, I was given books that advocated Parent-Directed Feeding, and I had read through them so much that I was brainwashed. Still, I was determined to stick it out.

12 weeks later, Hannah an I were still struggling in spite of hubby being home, and we transitioned to formula.

How I wish I had read information from Dr. Sears and GCM before the avalanche of first time parenthood and other factors combined to become my personal struggles.

Almost 9 months later, God has given me peace that even though I had intended to nurse my daughter as long as possible (well over a year) as my mom had done, I have a beautiful and healthy little girl.
And next time around, I will have additional encouragement (thanks to this group) with the breastfeeding alongside the other ways I am learning to be a gentle christian mommy. (and I am praying that #2 will catch on much easier.)

I kept on because I simply knew it was the best for my baby and I knew that God designed breasts to feed babies. However with many things he has made their are often times a challenge. Like legs that are made for walking how can you not try and stand up to walk on your own. No one chooses to use a wheel chair because it is a easier method or one that takes less effort. Most people go through therapy and use it for a last resort. I feel breasts are the same as legs. Granted some have had theirs removed and their are issues that will arrive. But breasts like legs are meant for a purpose. Who am I to deny my baby their God given right? When its the best thing for them and why would I want to settle with bottle of some manufactured concoction when I have the perfect milk in my breasts waiting to nurish my baby. Perfectly designed for them a perfect match. Not to mention the closeness that only breastfeeding can provide. For me it felt natural and when a child is at my breast it feels normal. Only the latter seems like a substitue a imposter and a poor choice. It seems like a last resort one you only make in dire situations where no other can do. When I did have troubles I used a SNS system and to me it was a well made device to bring the nutrition to the child with out sacaraficing the comfort that the breast can satisfy. For me breastfeeding is a adventure, a journey and one thing only a mother can provide. It is a very precious gift from God. Who am I to throw it away just because I am sore or unadjusted or learning a new thing. If you ask me its a statement of love and sacarafice and the beautiful gift from our Lord.