The Motherhood Center

By Liz Leiman

The Little Guy is rapidly approaching six months old and I am proud to report he’s been a breastfed baby the whole time. My main goal is to nurse for a year and I have created quarterly “mini-goals” to keep morale up. Almost making the halfway mark feels like a real accomplishment, but on the other hand I’m dreading it because of the next step - solid foods. At his last pediatrician visit, the doctor gave the go ahead for solid foods. He said I could have started back when the Little Guy turned four months old, but I mumbled lamely how I was waiting until six months for allergy reasons. Truth be told, I would like to just keep nursing and forget the whole solid food business. Now, I’m not one of those overzealous women that nurses her kid until he’s in kindergarten, but I will admit that I really like to breastfeed. It’s the only part of my day where I don’t have to do the laundry, or run errands, or rush to an appointment - it’s just me and my Little Guy. Sometimes we have quiet time by gazing into each other’s eyes, but more often he dozes while I catch up on the New York Times on my iPhone. Either way it’s nice break. Also, you can’t beat the convenience of always having his food right there and ready to go - no pureeing, heating, or utensils necessary. And from what I hear, the diapers are pretty innocuous compared the solid food ones.

I realize those aren’t valid arguments for nursing forever, but at the moment, the thought of preparing a healthy meal for him is a bit daunting. For example, this has been a rough week with the Little Guy suffering his first cold in addition to teething. Needless to say, I did not get much sleep last night. When I finally got up I had a cup of coffee and a cupcake for breakfast. The oatmeal was right there on the counter ready to be cooked, but the cupcake was front and center and in the end won. I was too tired to even boil water.

In my pre-baby life I was a pretty healthy eater with the occasional burger or pizza splurge. I had a regular 8-5 job and would have oatmeal and egg whites religiously for breakfast. I would pack green salads with grilled chicken for my lunch and would hit the gym during my lunch hour. I thought these habits would carry over into my new life as a stay at home mom and envisioned myself having wholesome dinners prepared for my husband when he got off work and making all sorts of nutritious goodies on my fancy Beaba Cook for the Little Guy (I was also in an apron and high heels and my hair was perfect in this daydream). However, I have to be honest with myself, I am completely unorganized and whatever “schedule” I think I have the Little Guy on is a total farce. In reality he runs the show and there are days when a load of laundry feels like a triumph. I’m pretty sure cupcakes should not be put in the Beaba Cook.

Maybe no longer being in the workforce has left a little bit of a void. Being at home full time leaves few ways to measure successes. There are no big projects to be turned in or presentations to give, changing twelve diapers a day doesn’t have the same feeling of satisfaction as meeting a deadline. However, when I see my Little Guy’s sweet “Buddha belly” or his chunky thighs I beam with pride and think to myself, “I did that!” My body has created nourishment for his little body. All that sweet baby fat is from me.

I think the biggest hesitation to start solids is the fear of the unknown - What if he hates it? What if he loves it and doesn’t return to the breast? What if he’s allergic to everything? I could go on all day. I guess that’s motherhood - worries and what if’s. A year and a half ago I was living a completely carefree life, though I didn’t realize it at the time. Now all sorts of crazy worries turn up. I will, of course, succumb to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation and feed him the solids, but at least I have a few more weeks to mull over the idea.

by Courtney Carter

If you are considering breastfeeding or have already embarked on your breastfeeding journey with a new baby, you’re well aware that a primary benefit of nursing is providing your baby with the ultimate gift:  the best nutrition available.

Nothing can be better than this.

Also remember that along with feeding your milk to your new and tiny bundle, you are also selflessly giving your baby unlimited access to your body, your sleep, your hydration, your nutrition, your energy…and your time.  So, taking care of yourself during the nursing stage of life is crucial.  Helping the nursing mother rest and recharge should be a top priority in every breastfeeding household.

Crucial to a successful breastfeeding experience is natural, balanced nutrition, ample rest, and plenty of hydration.   If your milk is to be the sole source nutrition for your infant for at least the first six months, your body must be treated like a temple.  After all, the better you feel as a breastfeeding mother, the longer you’re more likely to have a successful breastfeeding experience.   And, just like in other aspects of mothering, the better care your take of yourself, the more your baby will benefit.

Did you ever consider, though, that in choosing to nurse your baby, you’ve actually chosen a natural path that provides its own self care?   Think of breastfeeding as Mother Nature’s gift that provides you with little added rewards for being the sole provider of nutrition for your baby.

After nursing my now 4 year-old daughter for 15 months and currently nursing my 13 month-old son, I’ve experienced many beautiful and powerful benefits of nursing, which have allowed the first year of feeding to fly by because of the ease and joy of what I like to call the “breastfeeding lifestyle.”

Although everyone’s bodies are different, a few things I’ve enjoyed while nursing are:

•    Clearer, softer, glowing skin
•    Extremely deep sleep and vivid dreams
•    Increased metabolism and appetite
•    Constant flow of oxytocin, resulting in a state of calm, rested alertness (even when sleep deprived!)
•    Priceless bonding with my babies - holding their soft hands and caressing their tiny heads…
•    Peace of mind in knowing I’m doing everything I can for my baby’s immune system and nutritional development
•    A budget-friendly and easy feeding solution, and
•    Precious pockets of quiet, mental relaxation time to sit and think or read, throughout the day and night.

As your babies get older and are on the go, and as your world gets busier, you’ll miss the restful moments of serenity that breastfeeding brings.

So, whether you’re a brand new traveler on the journey of breastfeeding with sore, achy nipples, or you’re a veteran who thinks it may be easier to switch to an alternative feeding source, be patient!  Things will get easier – and you will begin to look forward to feeding times as much as your baby does.  Remember all the good things that come to you and your family because of your decision to engage in nature’s most primitive feeding ritual.

Let us revel in God’s gift to mothers and babies!  Always remember that breastfeeding mothers are beautiful!  Lactating mamas are lovely!

And life is good.

If you are in need of professional help or support during your breastfeeding experience, The Motherhood Center has lactation consultants who are ready to help.

Courtney Carter is the mother of a compassionate, high-energy girl and a sweet baby boy who remind her every day of the true focus of life.  Since having children, she feels honored to be part of the mother-hood – and has become a passionate evangelist of breastfeeding.