Let’s be real for a moment: I nursed four kids, but honestly, I never enjoyed breastfeeding. I did it because it was practical, cost-effective, and beneficial for their health, but it didn’t create that magical bond everyone raves about. In fact, it sometimes felt quite the opposite.
Before becoming a mom, I was all in on the “breast is best” mantra. I was determined to nurse my first child, Max, no matter what. But when he arrived and I tried to latch him on, it was nothing like I imagined. Spoiler alert: it was tough! Nursing turned out to be way more challenging than I anticipated—painful and complicated, too. It felt like the least “natural” thing ever. After many tears, both from me and Max, and the help of a fantastic lactation consultant, I managed to breastfeed him for a year.
Despite finally getting the hang of it, I never truly warmed up to breastfeeding. Sure, I was proud to do it and Max seemed to appreciate it, but it consumed so much of my time and energy. Plus, I hated being the only one who could feed him. No matter how fancy the breast pump, it never worked for me. This meant I had to be there for every single feeding, which was exhausting.
After a year of nursing, I felt a massive sense of accomplishment, but I was more than ready to wean him. I didn’t resent Max for it; after all, we do tough things for our kids, right?
Then came baby number two, Lily. The experience was totally different. You can read more about my journey in this post on home insemination here.
If you’re looking for tips on helping your toddler with medicine, check out this expert advice here. And if you want to dive deeper into the topic of artificial insemination, this resource is super informative.
In summary, breastfeeding four kids was a journey filled with challenges and sacrifices, but it never became a joyful experience for me. Each child brought a unique story, but I always looked forward to the day I could wean them and reclaim some personal freedom.