The Greatest Gift of Giving
Many women are surprised by the passion they come to feel about breastfeeding. If you meet another breastfeeding woman anywhere in the world, you feel a connection, no matter how different her culture is, and no matter how long ago you or she breastfed your babies. - The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
Something sparked inside of me when I read this. I've never seen my own thoughts and feelings about breastfeeding put into words so well.
I never thought I would become such a "lactivist" when I became a breastfeeding mama. I always had the goal to breastfeed, but formula was always a good backup plan. I'm not anti formula in the slightest. In fact, I collected so much formula while pregnant just in case it didn't work out.
Just as a cancer survivor becomes passionate about the fight for a cure, my passion for breastfeeding is a result of my life experiences with being a new mom (and a crazy oversupply I never imagined).
My oversupply was a blessing and a blessing. Never a curse. I cannot express how grateful I am that it worked out for me and Lincoln. I also cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunity I was given to become a milk donor.
Many women with an oversupply struggle with pain from engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis, abscesses, etc. Breastfeeding is a LOT harder than I think most people realize.
I had no idea how hard it was until I was sitting there 5 days postpartum blistered from a poor latch, chapped from pumping every 45 minutes (my milk took over a week to actually come in), sore, exhausted, and fighting to keep my premature, jaundiced baby healthy. It. Was. Hard. One of the hardest things I've ever done. But the end result has been so rewarding. More than rewarding. And donating had been one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.
I don't write about this for applause or attention. Period. I write about this to express my love and appreciation for my body and the gift God gave me. I write about this, once again, to spread awareness. Breastfeeding, and especially milk donation, is not gross. It's not outdated* or old fashioned.
*A good friend of mine was shamed, scorned and humiliated for breastfeeding. The person shaming her was her very own mother. Oh, how times have changed.
Wet nursing is how babies used to survive before alternatives were created. Pumping for other babies is modern wet nursing.
Even though I've never been asked to physically nurse another baby, I would do it in a heart beat without a second thought. I applaud those who wet nurse. I actually had a cool experience. I had no idea a friend of mine was helping nurse another baby until I met one of my milk recipients. We met on a milk sharing forum and found out we had a mutual friend. As we chatted, I found out that when our mutual friend would babysit, she would nurse the baby for the mother who can't produce enough. How amazing is that?! You can leave your baby and not worry about them going hungry. Your sweet friend is willing to nurse your child for you. That's a true friend and pure love.
My body has given me the ability to donate to not one, not two, but five babies. Some donations were a small 80oz while others were given hundreds and some given thousands. What an amazing gift of giving. If I could feed every baby in need, I would be on top of the world.
Some women are only able to breastfeed a little and have to supplement. Some half and half. And some are just shy of enough.
Some could only give colostrum the first day. Some could only nurse while in the hospital. Some could only pump for 6 weeks, 6 months, or even an entire year. (Props to you women who exclusively pump. Seriously. Props and RESPECT).
Every drop counts. In fact, "A drop of breastmilk contains around one million white blood cells. These cells, called macrophages (“big eaters”), gobble up germs."
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/feeding-eating/breastfeeding/why-breast-is-best/benefits-of-breastmilk
Never, ever feel ashamed for how much you breastfed. Do not let anyone shame you for doing what you could. They don't know your exact circumstances.
A few friends of mine were absolutely miserable until they stopped breastfeeding. Some had major anxiety and panic attacks at the thought of breastfeeding. Some have Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (DMER) and are physically sickened by breastfeeding.
Again, do not feel bad. I am a huge advocate for "happy mama, happy baby". If you're the happiest while you feed your baby a bottle, that is perfect. If you're not happy, the baby will pick up on those emotions and it will be even harder.
I have so many thoughts and feelings about breastfeeding, but I'll leave it at that for now.
If anyone has any questions, no matter how simple, I am so happy to answer them for you. I have read up on a lot of research and materials, but I'm positive there is a lot out there that I don't know. But that doesn't mean I won't study up to help with your question!
I've had a few mothers contact me with questions and I loved it so much. I love helping others support such an amazing gift. So ask away! I'm always available.
❤ Jenny
Something sparked inside of me when I read this. I've never seen my own thoughts and feelings about breastfeeding put into words so well.
I never thought I would become such a "lactivist" when I became a breastfeeding mama. I always had the goal to breastfeed, but formula was always a good backup plan. I'm not anti formula in the slightest. In fact, I collected so much formula while pregnant just in case it didn't work out.
Just as a cancer survivor becomes passionate about the fight for a cure, my passion for breastfeeding is a result of my life experiences with being a new mom (and a crazy oversupply I never imagined).
My oversupply was a blessing and a blessing. Never a curse. I cannot express how grateful I am that it worked out for me and Lincoln. I also cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunity I was given to become a milk donor.
Many women with an oversupply struggle with pain from engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis, abscesses, etc. Breastfeeding is a LOT harder than I think most people realize.
I had no idea how hard it was until I was sitting there 5 days postpartum blistered from a poor latch, chapped from pumping every 45 minutes (my milk took over a week to actually come in), sore, exhausted, and fighting to keep my premature, jaundiced baby healthy. It. Was. Hard. One of the hardest things I've ever done. But the end result has been so rewarding. More than rewarding. And donating had been one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.
I don't write about this for applause or attention. Period. I write about this to express my love and appreciation for my body and the gift God gave me. I write about this, once again, to spread awareness. Breastfeeding, and especially milk donation, is not gross. It's not outdated* or old fashioned.
*A good friend of mine was shamed, scorned and humiliated for breastfeeding. The person shaming her was her very own mother. Oh, how times have changed.
Wet nursing is how babies used to survive before alternatives were created. Pumping for other babies is modern wet nursing.
Even though I've never been asked to physically nurse another baby, I would do it in a heart beat without a second thought. I applaud those who wet nurse. I actually had a cool experience. I had no idea a friend of mine was helping nurse another baby until I met one of my milk recipients. We met on a milk sharing forum and found out we had a mutual friend. As we chatted, I found out that when our mutual friend would babysit, she would nurse the baby for the mother who can't produce enough. How amazing is that?! You can leave your baby and not worry about them going hungry. Your sweet friend is willing to nurse your child for you. That's a true friend and pure love.
My body has given me the ability to donate to not one, not two, but five babies. Some donations were a small 80oz while others were given hundreds and some given thousands. What an amazing gift of giving. If I could feed every baby in need, I would be on top of the world.
Some women are only able to breastfeed a little and have to supplement. Some half and half. And some are just shy of enough.
Some could only give colostrum the first day. Some could only nurse while in the hospital. Some could only pump for 6 weeks, 6 months, or even an entire year. (Props to you women who exclusively pump. Seriously. Props and RESPECT).
Every drop counts. In fact, "A drop of breastmilk contains around one million white blood cells. These cells, called macrophages (“big eaters”), gobble up germs."
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/feeding-eating/breastfeeding/why-breast-is-best/benefits-of-breastmilk
Never, ever feel ashamed for how much you breastfed. Do not let anyone shame you for doing what you could. They don't know your exact circumstances.
A few friends of mine were absolutely miserable until they stopped breastfeeding. Some had major anxiety and panic attacks at the thought of breastfeeding. Some have Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (DMER) and are physically sickened by breastfeeding.
Again, do not feel bad. I am a huge advocate for "happy mama, happy baby". If you're the happiest while you feed your baby a bottle, that is perfect. If you're not happy, the baby will pick up on those emotions and it will be even harder.
I have so many thoughts and feelings about breastfeeding, but I'll leave it at that for now.
If anyone has any questions, no matter how simple, I am so happy to answer them for you. I have read up on a lot of research and materials, but I'm positive there is a lot out there that I don't know. But that doesn't mean I won't study up to help with your question!
I've had a few mothers contact me with questions and I loved it so much. I love helping others support such an amazing gift. So ask away! I'm always available.
❤ Jenny
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