Milkmaid

I always give my mom a hard time about bottle feeding me. I really don't care that much and I turned out perfectly healthy with an immune system most would kill for, but it is fun to tease her from time to time. I was first introduced to breastfeeding by my mom who nursed my baby brother Jordan. Regretfully our age gap of 7 years has made it difficult for us to maintain a close relationship. Now, fortunatley we both have children the same age so that has given us more of a reason to stay connected. Zoe is my beautiful neice who has her mother's sweet smile and demeanor and my brother's big expressive eyes. It has been a blessing having her in our family and our girls think the world of her! Heather, Zoe's mom, is my hero...she pumped for six months so Zoe could have breastmilk even though the odds were against her with latching issues.
There have been many things in life I have been passionate about. One thing has lasted longer than any other...my conviction and desire to nourish my children the most nuturing way I know. I can remember when my brother was nursing and being intrigued by it. Who would of thought 8 years later I would meet my best friend in highschool and would be enlightened on the benefits of breastfeeding? I specifically remember being 15 and wanting Kati's mom to sign a notorized affidavit promising my breasts would work properly when the time came. It wasn't 10 years later I had gotten my wish. My sweet Sophia was born and I cradled, sang, and nursed the night away. Here I am 6 years later and happily breastfeeding my last. He is a sweet boy only 21 months old who knows how to make me melt.
My goal has been to make it 2 years, I didn't reach that with the first two so I am more determined this time. Ava protested the breast from day one. After a grueling battle and lots of tears I quit after 4 months. Her attitude about breastfeeding has definately changed. She thinks its a 3 man job. While Ezra nurses she squeezes my breast as if it is necessary so he can recieve milk. To everyone's surprise she will probably grow up to be a lactation consultant or run the local La Leche League!
I was worried he was weaning early because it seemed like we rarely nursed; however, when I told my girlfriend Hilary we nursed 3 times a day and 3 at night her eyes were the size of saucers and then that is when I knew we are no where close to being done. For now I will enjoy the request "drink, mom...please!" or the tapping of his finger on my chest in the middle of the night that translates "you know what I want, now hand it over and no one gets hurt!"