Before the birth of my first son, the thought of having a natural birth was not even on my radar. I proudly told my friends and family I fully intended on having my epidural as soon as the doctor would allow so I could enjoy the birth of my son. But the birth of my son was disappointing. It was the result of much medical intervention, preterm labor, and ultimately ended with an emergency c-section. That wasn't what I had planned or hoped for. With my second son, I hoped and prayed for a VBAC and less medical intervention, but a natural birth still wasn't on my radar. I still planned on getting my epidural as soon as possible. But #2 came … [Read more...]

There are times in our lives when we feel the need to stand up for ourselves, for our children, and for the children around us. Breastfeeding rights is one of those. Breastfeeding in public has been a heated issue in the news. Lately, scheduled nurse-ins at restaurants or clothing stores have occurred, due to some manager with a need to enforce ludicrous rules that are not baby friendly—and certainly not in the best interest of the mother. Never mind that they are unlawful to begin with! Here's a phrase I have mentioned countless times to the mothers I have worked with: "You need to know your breastfeeding rights. In most states, you are … [Read more...]

Have you ever stopped to think about why it is that you want to breastfeed?  Asked yourself, "Why do I nurse?"   I have asked this of myself so many times; what is it inside of me that drives me to nurse my babies, to nourish them with my body and my heart?  Why is it that I love to breastfeed? I nurse because... I nurse because of the look in his eyes. I nurse because of the pride and the strength that comes from feeding my baby with my own body. I nurse because of the protection it gives him. I nurse because of the tiny fingers that hold on for dear life, and find comfort there. I nurse because my milk is his … [Read more...]

I was so excited about the idea of breastfeeding my baby. Soon after we found out that we were expecting, I began doing something I discovered a love for in college—research. So, so much research. I was really good at studying and getting good grades in college. What was the secret to my success? I'm a nerd and loved research. Surely, I could just apply the same principles that brought me college success to parenting. Then, soon enough, I'd be an expert mom. It didn't take long for me to discover the many benefits of breastfeeding—benefits which compounded by the month, and benefits that I definitely wanted in my baby's life.Certainly … [Read more...]

I know what you're thinking.  "C'mon, seriously?"  "Breastfeeding as a spiritual activity?"  "What, are you gonna tell me to meditate and pray while I have a baby attached to the front of me in the middle of the night?!" Just hear me out. What Makes It Spiritual? Admittedly, breastfeeding is a physical act.  Hormones, chemicals and bodily processes inside you produce a substance to physically sustain another human being.  However, it's also emotional, psychological/mental, and spiritual. If Christ lives in your heart, then everything you do is for His glory, to serve His kingdom.  If Christ lives in your heart, then everything, … [Read more...]

I remember when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. I was scared and nervous. At the time, I was planning my wedding. Quickly, I went from reading The Knot magazines to What to Expect When You Are Expecting books. I planned. And I don’t mean I just sat down and thought, “I am going to have a natural birth, it will be beautiful, and I will breastfeed, and it will be glorious.” I mean, I sat down, wrote lists, weighed options—and I planned. I am pretty sure I had a list and a plan for every little detail of my pregnancy, birth, and hospital stay. My plans even included what books I was going to bring to read while I was … [Read more...]

(Go back to Part 1 and Part 2) My new little guy is 4 weeks old today and our breastfeeding journey has had several challenges of it’s own. After his delivery, I was trembling and somewhat incoherent. We later found out this was possibly because I have postpartum preeclampsia. When I was finally taken to my room and my new son was brought to me, I felt like we already had a lot of catching up to do. I tried to get him to latch on, but it just wasn’t happening. New Breastfeeding Problems I proceeded to give him a bottle and he seemed to choke on it. I called the nurse and he was quickly taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I … [Read more...]

(Go back to Part 1) 5 years later, my husband and I were overjoyed, although still very surprised at the news that we would be having another child. When my second daughter was born, I still had a deep desire to breastfeed. I wasn’t as hell bent on it happening this time, but I still really, really wanted to. When she was born, I had her latch on for a little while and then had my husband feed her a bottle. I again had one of those horrid sounding blue pumps. I used it for only 2 weeks before I threw in the towel. Again there were tears, but not nearly as many. This go around there seemed to be a bit more judgment against not … [Read more...]