To be honest, I never considered not breastfeeding I was a woman, I had breasts, and I was having a child. That is what breasts are for right? To feed babies. That was my point of view. My mother always boasted about breastfeeding her children. How long she breastfed and how wonderful it was for children. Breastfeeding was a rite of passage, a beautiful thing. There are not too many things more womanly than breastfeeding.

Immediately after giving birth as everyone marveled at my creation I said “has everyone gotten to see him because I am about to breastfeed.” I could not wait. It came naturally, I experienced no serious latching on issues, and he took to it quite well. I benefited from all the pros of breastfeeding and none of the cons. Bonding, he slept through the night after 3 or 4 days, no digestion issues, and he picked up weight with no problems. It became a time for me to talk to him get to know him. It was apparent when he was hungry versus just needing some comfort and closeness.

While I did not run into much opposition, there was a bit, and it revealed itself in my dedication to breastfeeding more so than my choice to breastfeed. I had no problem breastfeeding in public. He fed at the table if we were out to dinner; I kept him in a sling so it’s possible that he would be eating while I was running errands, no bathrooms or going to the car, although he was covered. If we were over family or close friend’s home I was less likely to cover. Nothing was ever said, but I did catch a couple glimpses of people’s discomfort. I went a full 12-13 months no supplementing. This meant I couldn’t be too far away or gone too long. That is the real work in it. Staying with it, eating constantly and correctly to make enough milk, not getting sick, I was in training mode.

If it were not for my ingrained image of breastfeeding I may have given up earlier. Culturally it is not thought of in the highest of standards.  Someone said to me once “It’s like taking the bus to work when you have a car and can drive.” Breastfeeding requires more dedication, time, and patience, but from my experience you see and learn more than you can fathom.