MY BREASTFEEDING JOURNEY: 18 MONTHS OF NURSING
May 6, 2022
As I am writing this, it’s hard to believe we are almost 18 months into our breastfeeding journey. From where we started until now. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know it hasn’t always been easy. From lactation consults, cluster feedings, clogged ducts, sore nipples, and mastitis, this hasn’t been the smoothest road traveled on. But it has been so rewarding.
When I was pregnant with Georgia, I knew from the get go I wanted to breastfeed. I knew it would be so challenging, especially with what I had heard from some friends and family, but knew I wanted to try my best. Although breastfeeding became easier, it wasn’t always easy. There were so many bumps in the road. With all of the side effects I had while breastfeeding, I felt like breastfeeding was getting harder sometimes.
There were so many times in our journey where I wanted to quit. I wanted to wean Georgia off and give her formula. So when she was almost a year old, that’s exactly what I did. I cut her nursing times to morning and night, and gave her formula during the day. After a couple of days she started to develop watery eyes, runny nose, and had a-lot of allergy/sickness symptoms. I wasn’t sure if she had allergies or if she was starting to get a cold. One evening we were rough housing and she started dry heaving and puking. She look miserable. Her eyes were red and she looked like she was having an allergic reaction. Instantly, my husband and I took her to the bath and I nursed her. Within 25 minutes of nursing, her eyes and nose cleared up and she was happy again. To be honest, I broke down. I felt so sad she was in so much pain and felt like the formula I used, failed us. After that night, I was determined to try breastfeed her for all feedings.
So here we are. 18 months of breastfeeding and all I can say is wow! I’m not sure how we’ve made it, but we are here and thriving! Breastfeeding while pregnant has its own challenges. It makes me a little nervous to think that Georgia might still be breastfeeding when baby brother arrives, but I’ll worry about that when the time comes.
I also want to add, if you’re having trouble breastfeeding or if you’re using formula, that’s okay! As your body is adjusting to something new, it can be hard. Give yourself grace in this season. And lots of time. Things didn't get for easier for us until after 6 weeks postpartum. And feeding your baby is the most important, no matter if thats breastmilk or formula.
Thanks for celebrating with us! Happy Friday!
