Breastfeeding

I started this on Feb. 18th. for the record. And just finished it now.

Seems I'm on a lot of parenting topics lately, but today marks a very important day for me. Audrey is 16 months old today which means I have breastfed her twice as long as Nate, but the important part is that I have breastfed a total of 2 years.

I once learned from someone who did a thesis paper on breastfeeding that to really get the protection from breast cancer that breastfeeding provides that you have to do it for 2 years. Whether that is two consecutive years or just two years total I'm not sure. The risk of breast cancer is not too awfully high in my family, but any preventative measure you can take is a good thing.

I obviously am very pro breastfeeding. I don't want moms that struggled to breast feed to feel bad. It does not come easily to every mom and every baby. I am very grateful for the chance I have had to give this gift to my children. But, lets be honest here, it really hasn't been my favorite thing in the whole world. I hated pumping with Nate, I hate how sore my nipples get, I hate the hardness that is the result of them filling up, I hate when I get bitten and it takes weeks for it to heal, I hate Audrey pulling at my shirt constantly and hitting my face if I don't give it to her (it's the age), but it's still worth it.

It really does have it's good and bad moments. The only thing that matters is that it is the best thing for babies. And the best part is that your baby becomes your number one fan. :D I recommend it for everyone. But don't judge if it was a struggle for you (I totally get it).