Ingrid, Lately... {A Breastfeeding Story}

This past weekend marked Ingrid's 6-month birthday. While I usually write about all the wonderful things she is and does, I'm going to share about one thing today: breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is easily the hardest and most wonderful thing I have ever done. Those two adjectives always seem to go together, don't they?

When Addie was a babe, I thought I was breastfeeding her. I was, I guess. I used a shield for 4 solid months until she absolutely refused to take me anymore. Then, I exclusively pumped until the milk was gone - when she was about 7 months old. I did my best with Addie, my absolute. I am proud of what I gave her and I know she will be better off because of it. 

Ingrid is a whole new story. Before I knew if Ingrid was a him or her, I made her a promise. You can read that promise here. To sum it up, I promised I would nurse her and give myself to her that way. I would do whatever it took. 

6 months in, it is such a wonderful thing.

You see, I used to think that breastfeeding was just food. It was the best, most wonderful, made-especially-for-you food for my baby. Now, I know that breastfeeding is so much more. 

Breastfeeding is calm. Breastfeeding is bonding. Breastfeeding is a conversation. Breastfeeding is a relationship. Breastfeeding is love. 

Aside from making and birthing a baby, breastfeeding is the most natural and human thing I've ever done. It's not always enjoyable for me. It's not always my favorite thing. But it is the best thing I can do for Ingrid right now, as her mother.

There are countless reasons why nursing Ingrid has been such a blessing. From the support of my husband and my ability to stay home, to the encouragement from friends and the promise I made her, we have made this possible. We have made this happen. Ingrid was exclusively breastfed the first 6 months of her life. No bottles. No formula. No food. Only milk from mama. And I am incredibly proud of that. 

That happy little face up there is the result of a satisfied little babe. I once read a quote that said, "The business of babies is to be in bliss." I love that. Ingrid has that. The way nursing calms, satisfies, encourages, relaxes, and sustains her is amazing. She trusts me completely, because of this nursing relationship.

Honestly, if could only give one piece of advice to new moms, it would be to breastfeed your babies. For as long as you can. 1 week, 1 month, 1 year. Any time at all is so valuable, so wonderful, for both mama and child.

A few people have asked me how long I plan on nursing. Right now, I'm not sure. My goal is a year. But if Ingrid prefers shorter or longer than that, I'll make it work.

Happy 6 months, little lady! I love you more than you know.
-Mama