When I had my first baby boy I had grand plans to breastfeed him until he was a year. My body on the other hand had a different idea and at 7 1/2 months decided it was done with it. So, when I had my second son two years later I decided that I was going to give it another shot and try and shoot for the year mark. This time it's gone great, and I'm still going strong at 8 1/2 months. The problem I'm facing now is feeling the pressure from everyone else to stop.
There are a couple of reasons I don't want to. The first one being that the health benefits that Logan gets from me making the sacrifice far outweighs the cons. The American Pediatric Association recommends breastfeeding at least up until the first year of life and sometimes after. Don't worry I don't plan on being the crazy lady that is still nursing their 5 year old. A year is all I'm trying to shoot for.
The second being the bond that I share with Logan over it is something I treasure. It's the one thing that only I can do with him, and it serves as a quite time for both of us. I also know that this is my last baby and it's a little harder for me to give it up knowing this.
The third reason is because Logan has not taken to formula well. Which I don't blame him because it looks and smells horrible. When he does drink it, I have to buy the more expensive ready mixed kind and mix it with the breast milk. Then he either gets constipated or an upset stomach (poor thing takes after John in the stomach department). So, know this I feel AWFUL when I give him formula and mommy guilt instantly sets in. I have enough things in life that gives me mommy guilt and since I can control this one it makes the guilt even worse.
I didn't feel this outside pressure from everyone with my first son, so it's baffling to me why I'm getting it the second time around. It's not something that interferes with anyone else and really only effects Logan and I. I've learned quickly that everything is different with your second child, but if there is one thing I wish was the same if the level of support I got with the first one.
So, I guess my purpose for writing this is to free myself from the pressure and to let those reading this to support your mommy friends on whatever breastfeeding stance they decide to take! I promise knowing someone is in their corner will make a world of difference to them!
