By Jo
That's how long I breastfed my three babies.
My first son nursed exactly 14 days. Back then I was young and uninformed so the only reason I breastfed at all was due to reading that breastfeeding the first two weeks provided babies with important antibodies. After that he went straight to formula.
Each child brought new awareness and information, allowing my second child to nurse exclusively for four months. I was so excited, and then my supply dropped. That's when I had to start supplementing with formula and eventually gave up on breastfeeding. I felt good for nursing her longer than her brother but in part I still felt like a failure.
Eight years later, our youngest son was born. This time I was determined to succeed at breastfeeding. After a rough start, things were going great and then two months later my supply dropped once again. I tried everything to get it back, but nothing worked. When Aidan was six months old I began using formula supplements to fill his tummy. Eventually my supply picked up and we supplemented less. When his first birthday arrived, I knew we would continue our breastfeeding journey. As hard as we had fought, forcing him to wean just felt wrong.
I can proudly say we made it two years, one month, two weeks, and three days. Then we weaned because it was time for my first cancer surgery. But I think he was ready.
I realize now that I never failed. Having a low supply, being uninformed, having to supplement, or never getting to breastfeed at all is not failure. I did everything I could so my babies would be happy and healthy.
These days, I know it wasn't what I fed them that mattered as much as the love I gave them while doing it. I honestly feel that is the best gift we can give our children. Don't you?
Jo is a 30-year-old mother of three miracles (14, 11, and 2 1/2), a wife to Vinny, a poet, an aspiring writer, and a three-time cancer survivor.
Thanks to all of you for the comments. I greatly appreciate them. I'm guessing this is going to be considered one of my NOT popular posts but that's okay. It was/is very near and dear to me and that's what I try to do here- write about these that mean something to me. Again, thank you and you all SHOULD be proud because I'm sure you all have done a great job with your kiddos. ;)
Posted by: Jo | October 02, 2005 at 04:23 PM
Great article Jo! I know that many mothers struggle with breastfeeding and like you said, it's the love you give them that is important!
Posted by: Melinda | October 01, 2005 at 05:40 PM
Lillianna was born on a Friday at 4:59am. I went straight into surgery after the delivery and didn't get to see her until 12pm that day. I struggled with breastfeeding that day and the following day. Every time I had to change sides I had to call the nurse to help me. Lillianna wasn't cooperative.
Sunday at 12pm we were discharged. I struggled with feeding her all day and night. By 5am,Monday morning,I couldn't take it anymore. I called my midwife,she said to try a bottle, Lillianna sucked the bottle dry,burped and went straight to sleep.
We were no longer stressed,she was getting fed and I wasn't having an anxiety attack.
Did I fail? Hell no! Breastfeeding isn't for everyone and I have no regrets at all.
Posted by: Robin P | September 27, 2005 at 07:16 PM
Great article, Jo! We all do the best we can with what we have. I loved breastfeeding my son, but I didn't dwell on it when it wasn't possibly with my daughter. They were both happy and well-fed, and that was what counted. I'll never get why people get so worked up over this issue.
Posted by: OBH | September 26, 2005 at 12:03 PM
Wow, Jo! Your article made me feel sooo good!! I could only breastfeed my son for 15 days. Right now I've been breastfeeding my 2 month old daughter for 2 months. Thank you for your words.
Posted by: Ana Perusquia | September 26, 2005 at 09:59 AM
Sigh you have heard my woes and triumphs according to this subject. I think you wrote a great article as usual. When people know better people do better. Breastfeeding for even one day is a great accomplishment in my book. You did great with both the article and the 2 years 9 months and 3 days you gave your babies mama milk ;)
Posted by: Julie | September 26, 2005 at 01:16 AM
You did awesome Jo! We can only aim ourselves with knowledge, and do the best we can. To be able to breastfeed your children at all means that you have given them a very special gift.
Be proud mama, you done good! :)
Posted by: Jessica | September 26, 2005 at 12:58 AM