So yesterday ended #worldbreastfeedingweek so I thought I’ll share a bit on how I feel about it. I honestly had no intention in posting on my Instagram and sharing a photo. Mostly because I am no longer breastfeeding and those days are long gone. But I think it’s important for all the moms who have struggled to breastfeed to know it is okay.
If you are like me you know the struggle. Some days you are hit with the horrendously ugly feeling of failure. And other days I am very fortunate that I got to experience it for a short amount of time. So while I mourn for what is no longer a journey for us, I will always feel proud.
I’m proud of what are bodies can do for our children.
But I also want to say it is not anything like you see in the photos where babies are delicately nursing like it’s the easiest thing in the world. I think that’s where many women start to wonder, “why was it so difficult for me” – and I’m 100% with you on that because it wasn’t easy for me with all my kids. Each baby is different. I think breastfeeding is hard and it comes with all forms of guilt and pressure, not to mention the side serving of judgment.
I feel as moms we are damned if we do, and damned if we don’t. For those who’ve tried, who pumped, formula fed, or to the ones who had to stop at some point like I did. I am with you. Be proud of your babies, however they are fed.