Just the other day I calculated just how many years of my life I have been breastfeeding my six children in total and I came up with an impressive five and a half years! That's a significant amount of time to do anything.
Most of that breastfeeding period was so enjoyable but I'd be lying outright if I said there were no hurdles whatsoever. Trust me, there were plenty! Some issues we overcame together with time and stubborn persistence on my own part and others sadly ended the experience abruptly.
Overall, I am deeply content to know that each of my babies were fed the way nature intended, whether that be for weeks, months or years. I made a go of it and that continues to make me enormously happy to this day. The joys of breastfeeding go on for years.
Just the other day I calculated just how many years of my life I have been breastfeeding my six children in total and I came up with an impressive five and a half years! That's a significant amount of time to do anything.
Most of that breastfeeding period was so enjoyable but I'd be lying outright if I said there were no hurdles whatsoever. Trust me, there were plenty! Some issues we overcame together with time and stubborn persistence on my own part and others sadly ended the experience abruptly.
Overall, I am deeply content to know that each of my babies were fed the way nature intended, whether that be for weeks, months or years. I made a go of it and that continues to make me enormously happy to this day. The joys of breastfeeding go on for years.
My longest breastfeeding stint ever - close to three years with my youngest, has just drawn to a natural close. My little girl weaned herself a few short weeks ago. For a tiny time there, I was mopey and saddened as I left this lovely stage behind but also overjoyed too - we had 'made it' together from day one and it was an enormous pride-filled success: Bonding, powerful, emotional and rewarding.
I can hold and cherish those precious times in my heart now for the rest of my life and for me, that's the personal reward of breastfeeding; that and also the fact that all of my babies have had the very best start in life.
If you're currently expecting or lactating, my best piece of advice for you, is to buy the right equipment upfront!
My most successful breastfeeding experiences were when I had everything on hand from the day each new baby came home. New life is undoubtedly beautiful but it's also enormously tiring and stressful and having everything you need to express breast milk, store breast milk and deal with any breastfeeding issues as soon as they arise, will significantly improve your chances of success in the long run.
I can't stress this enough; If you've even a passing interest in breastfeeding your child for a decent term, get prepared early and buy your feeding needs when you shop for your baby's general essential equipment.
It's well understood that breastfeeding can be time-consuming and doesn't always fit in with the lifestyles of modern day parents and thankfully, there are so many new products and continually improved products on the market to help mums extend this beautiful bonding period further.
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