#Worldbreastfeedingweek began two days after I ended my breastfeeding journey. These two events colliding made me even more emotional, and really had me take a pause on my over three years as a breastfeeding mother.
I am extremely proud of my body and my mind for growing, birthing, and nourishing three children. To have watched the limits my body has been pushed to, and how it’s still here, it’s still standing and strong, is pretty remarkable. This week, I am giving myself a pat on the back for spending years of my life breastfeeding, and thirteen months with this last child. I could have ended earlier. I could have ended later. But, I chose now. I am lucky to have had it be a choice. I was not faced with nursing challenges, I didn’t leave my house to return to a workforce, and my village is supportive of breastfeeding. I had the best, easiest journey I could have asked for.
At my daughter’s dance class, I was talking with a couple of women, and they both breastfed for no more than one or two months. One woman explained how challenging it was and how she was so proud of herself for breastfeeding for one full month. That’s how it should be. It shouldn’t matter the length of time. We were all equally proud of ourselves for how we navigated our journeys. It should only matter that you make the right decision for you and you celebrate it. You celebrate recognizing your needs, your baby’s needs, and you celebrate that. It’s hard in a society with so much pressure that fails us daily in terms of women’s health and even access to bloody formula, but you’re the mom and you know your body and baby.
Thanks thirdlove for encouraging me and many women to tell our stories and keep these important conversations going. Let’s keep celebrating our strong bodies and the power of making and owning our own choices. 🤍
And, side note: I was never breastfed and I think I turned out okay! 🙃
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#RealWithTL #ThirdLovePartner #breastfeedingweek #breastfeedingmom #postpartumbody #postpartumjourney