You would think after having 4 babies, I would have gotten this right, but apparently not. Now with #5, it seems that I have finally managed to have huge success, for which I am so thankful for as it has made life so much easier.
I’m talking about something that many mothers have problems with and often agonise about- as I have done too. It is breastfeeding of course, something that every mother should at least try.
With every baby of mine, I have breastfeed for as long as possible. My 1st lasted about 1 month before I sneezed while feeding her, and that was the end of that :( #2, well, we got to about 3 months before we decided it wasn’t working any more and that it would be better for all of us to go for formula- many tears shed on my part of course. #3 made it to about 4 months before decding that it was much more fun to watch her older sisters than have a feed, so again to the bottle to save my sanity and breasts (I am not made of rubber you know). #4, well, we can blame #5 for the downfall there- we got to 4 months and had to go to 50/50 feeding because I was still stressed and bubs wasn’t getting enough- 1 month later I found out I was pregnant again, and that was the end of that (fussy moo didn’t like the taste anymore).
This time round, there have been no problems. 6 months on and we are doing tremendously well. My supply is fantastic and I am really enjoying the breastfeeding. Being forced to put my feet up for a while is the best thing about it.
As we are doing so well, I want to keep going for as long as possible, even if that means bubs is off to school before we give up- ok, maybe not that long, but at least for another 18 months.
For the first time since our 1st went on to bottles, we are bottle free! No washing, steralizing, preparing heating or wastage! Yes, I have my sore days, but who cares? That is easily fixed and it is worth it!
There is no stress about feeding this time round and I don’t get (as) cranky about having to stop what I am doing to feed- it is such a pleasure to spend time with bubs and be forced into taking a break.
So it might not seem like much, but to me it is a huge personal victory to finally be able to exclusively breastfeed for more than a few months. Only problem is, I am mourning the fact that I failed to be able to breastfeed all my babies like this, but they are happy, healthy and telling me they love me just the same- they are still my little babies too.
Please note: I firmly believe all mothers should try breastfeeding before reaching for formula. It really is the best for mum, as she gets to take a break. I understand it isn’t possible for everyone or it isn’t successful, but it should at least be tried- it is something only a mother can do for her baby. Even expressing and using a bottle is fine, though that is still bringing in the washing etc aspect of feeding- a super pain in the bum if you ask me.
