It's World Breastfeeding Week, everyone! If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, power to you! But if you're like me and weren't able to or for whatever reason don't plan to, power to you too.
I breastfed my son for a total of two excruciatingly difficult months. I was heartbroken at the time, but now I don't regret it one bit. And here's why…
Read more ¿Qué más?: World Breastfeeding Week: Why I'm still breastfeeding my 2-year-old
When I was pregnant, I was beyond psyched to give birth and start breastfeeding my son. I was AMAZED when a few hours after my super difficult C-section delivery, my breasts, which were completely dry up until that moment, started to give colostrum. It was truly a miracle. But what no one tells us new moms is that after that initial amazing moment, breastfeeding is the most difficult thing in the universe. Well, to some of us at least.
It didn't matter though, I set out to conquer my boobs' milk-creation abilities and I was intent on producing enough for my little guy. But it wasn't all magical and amazing. For me, breastfeeding became this insurmountable chore, a daily battle that I had to wage at the same time that my hormones were raging, my C-section surgery was healing, and my exhaustion was reaching blinding levels. I was not producing enough milk, no matter how many maltas I had every day (thanks, Mami) or how much I pumped every two hours. At most, I produced 2 ounces at each pump. (One time I produced three ounces and I was literally jumping for joy!)
But after two horrible breast infections, countless hours overnight spent catching up with my DVR as I pumped, and borderline depression, I gave up. I had to for my own mental sanity and because I was a moody crying mess of a mom. Despite all that, my son, Sebastian, was doing great. I slowly switched him over completely to formula only and hoped for the best.
Today, my Sebas is a strong-willed, super healthy, super smart 15-month-old little man. I was able to be such a better mom after I stopped stressing about breast milk.
I have an incredible amount of admiration for any mom who is able to breastfeed and sticks by it no matter what the difficulties, you mamis are my heroes. But for Sebastian and me, the short time we did have together while I nursed was priceless. And I wouldn't have it any other way now!
Image via Tom & Katrien/Flickr
