Tuesday, February 21, 2006

The History of My Boobs.

Because you want to know and I love to talk about my boobs, here goes.
Before I ever got pregnant, I knew I would breastfeed my babies. It just seemed like that was what they were meant to do. I come from a family of breastfeeders; My Mom nursed me until I was 2 and a half, and was proud of the fact.
So I became pregnant, knew I was going to nurse, for a year. The next thing I knew, Mason was here 6 weeks early, and could not eat. Out the window went my dreams of having my brand new baby laid on my chest and breastfeeding immediately. I asked my nurse for a breastpump the minute I was taken to my hospital room from high-risk delivery. She replied, "Wait until morning." Now that I know better, I wish I wold have insisted, because I waited the extra 12 hours my milk took 4 days to come in. All this time, Mason was in the NICU where he remained until he was two weeks-old being tube-fed my breastmilk that I pumped every 2-3 hours. Once Mason was a little more stable, they let me try nursing him, but told me that 9 out of 10 babies learned to eat faster on a bottle. They told me the day he took a bottle, he was ready to go home. I was so confused! One nurse assured me, "If you really want to breastfeed him, it'll happen."

So, I took my bottle-fed baby home and decided I was going to do things my way. I began every feeding at the boob, and my husband would finish with a bottle of pumped milk. Once he began latching on, I took out one bottle each day. In less then two weeks time, he was exclusively on the boob. I had worked so hard for the breastfeeding to happen that I didn't want anything to ruin it. I didn't try to give him a bottle for 6 weeks, and by then it was too late, he would refuse and scream. But again I didn't care, I really wanted this. The weeks passed and my 5 lb 12 once boy turned into a chunk. I LOVED the fact that I was giving my boy everything he needed to live and not having to depend on anything else. I even has a pediatrician comment that he "couldn't believe that I didn't suppliment" (with formula) my 19.5 pound 7 month-old. Mason was fat and healthy, all because of me!

A year came and went and nursing was better than ever, we were a true team. I (my boobs) could put him to sleep, fix a boo-boo, or just refuel his emotional tank when he was over-stimulated. It was the easiest fix, why would I want to give it up. I couldn't help but get teary when we'd have our little time together in our special chair and Mason would look up at me, boob in mouth and give me the sweetest smile, as if to say, "mmmmmm...thanks Mom." Those moments were and are so powerful, They'll be with me forever.

So here we are today, Mason is 26 months and still nursing twice a day, before nap and bed. I am pretty sure he doesn't get much milk, but he still absolutely needs the "close time." I am not ready to take it away from him. I still believe that he'll stop when he is ready and doesn't need to nurse any more. Until then, my boobs will be ready. Even crazier, I have been concidering the thought of tandum nursing, if I need too, something I never concidered even a year ago. A lot changes when you have someone you'd do anything for counting on you!

11 comments:

Pedro said...

I have to say that it wasn't long ago that I was skeptical of mothers who breastfeed their kids past a year or so. I think a lot of that had to do with American social "norms" and how we as Americans view women and thier anatomy in relation to our own sexuality.


Having lived throug the last 26 months seeing the benefits for both mother and child I have to say that my views on breastfeeding have completely changed. There is far more than the nutritional pros, the emotional bond that develops as a result is a huge plus.

So there it is...straight from a reformed anti-breastfeeding father and husband. (stepping down from soap box)

AnnieM said...

And that is why I love my Husband so much! Thanks Mike/ Pedro!

Ms. Mamma said...

You know True will be two next month and we are still 2x a day also. You said it all very eloquently, and I second that and think you're amazing for the obstacles you faced from the beginning!

AnnieM said...

Napagirl, you should really look into the pro's of breastfeeding. You'd probably never look back, it really is what those squishy things on your chest are meant for. Tandum nursing is nursing two babies/children. Thanks for the questions, at least you are wanting to know more, it's the first step.

Silly Hily said...

Man, I was off yesterday so I missed everything.
I want to know about how on earth you ended up in WI b/c that is not where you are from, right? My husband swears to me he wants to retire there and I'm all, HELLO southern girl here who flipped b/c it was like 10 degrees this weekend and if I'm going to be COLD then there better be SNOW and if there's SNOW there better be a big fat MOUNTAIN for me to SKI down on the SNOW! I know NOTHING about WI. Are there mountains up there? I've only been to Utah, Colorado, Washington, and Canada to ski so in my book, those are the only places that have snow packed mountains.

Silly Hily said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Christy J said...

I agree. I get so upset when I think about how I had to wean Hayden. I plan on nursing Fin until she's 9 to make up for it. Not, really.. but BAHAHAH!!!!

Actually Mike, just today Justin was telling me how he told the lady (WT Server) at Bono's that she had to nurse. He is such a nazi too. I LOVE IT!

LJR said...

very interesting ann. I always learn so much. I enjoyed reading your perspective on your "boobs".

Lucky Gem said...

Ya know, I have no boobs so I am looking forward to the days of pregnancy in that aspect. I also have never talked to a stranger about my boobs.....

Mama C-ta said...

I love boob history class, it was my favorite subject. The only class which I was more happy to receive C's in instead of A's ;)

I hear ya on everything. I know I've only been nursing for less than 8 months opposed to 26, but I can see me following in your footsteps, tandem nursing and all. I'm looking forward to when he's able to only nurse a couple times strictly for comfort. Sometimes now it's "just give me the food mom and I'm out of here." I love the times he really wants to snuggle.

I love Pedro's comment too. My husband currently is only comfortable w/nursing until he's 1 so it's great to hear another husband's point of view. I have a feeling my husband will change his mind too when the time comes so I don't really push the matter now. He won't want to see Julian crying for milky, he knows how happy it makes him.

Adrienne said...

well said. i never thought i would breastfeed but im soooo GLAD i did. people who havent done it cannot understand. you really have to get past the "boobs only for sexual purposes" mentallity. now i plan on letting my titmouse decide when she is ready to wean.