Oh the joy of breastfeeding a toddler...LOL!
My morning begins around 5:30 AM as I pry my homemade brew from my daughter's milk wasted mouth. I can't get her away from the TAP. I may get about four hours of sleep. I think. I really don't know. I do know that wherever I turn she is there. It was nothing like this in the beginning. To rewind quickly back to October 3rd, 2016 on the day she was born. I read a lot of blogs, joined a Facebook forum and spoke with my sister who may have been able to salvage her two nipples after feeding three hungry boys. No wait. I think she still has them.
I was overly prepared before Nubian arrived with breastfeeding classes, nipple creams, breast pads, teas and warrior ice packs. I braved the storm of having my nipples bleed, yeast (I love sugar), and cluster feeding filled nights that ran together so much that I didn't know what day it was.
I was determined. It was healthier. It was Mother Earth's way. RIGHT? I was a breastfeeding mother of an infant and I wore my badge proudly. The craziest thing happened after her 1st birthday. The books never mentioned about the all night feeding and pacifier I would become when she became a toddler. Let me start by talking about how toddlers like to hang upside down with your nipple in their mouth while they do headstands (awake and sleeping), grabbing it with force, pulling it down with them while you're standing up changing them on a changing table and the famous nursing upside down while kicking you in your tender c-section cut area. Oh my God!
Then you have the infamous twirling, scratching and clawing at the opposite nipple while nursing. You don't have to worry about remembering to cut and file the nails of a breastfeeding toddler. You are moved with passion from the lashes on your bare chest and breast to make sure you take every precautionary measure to insure you keep your skin.
Nursing a infant vs a toddler is two different things. Some would say after 6 months in you become a pro. Oh boy! Little do they know. The only thing you master is the ability to remain calm during all of these wonderful stages. I know I'm giving you a lot of the crazy side of breastfeeding, it's nothing like a toddler looking you in your eyes and slightly biting you just to get a reaction out of you. That's love.
No matter how much sleep, nipples and skin you lose. It's worth it. Don't give up. These memories last forever and ever. I love looking back at all the breastfeeding pictures I took over the last year. I can't wait to watch my daughter live out these very memories with her own children.
Breastfeeding is natural and it should be in braced and supported by those who care about the both of you. Find a breastfeeding group, join a online forum and speak with other mothers. This is a journey that leads to an end so cherish it.
So moms don't worry about outsiders asking "How long will you breastfeed"? Just tell them "As long as my last nipple standing can take it".
"I breastfeed because I know the importance of chocolate milk." - Andreka Bryant
Xoxo
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