Breastfeeding 101: Mommy Talk

Brenda Green 

I always knew I'd breastfeed my babies. I don't ever remember making a decision to and I've always been a little turned off by the smell of formula. When I had my first baby - 12 1/2 yrs ago! - at River Oaks Baby Suites, all babies there roomed in. They didn't staff a well nursery unless a mother requested it ahead of time. I loved that my baby was never taken from my room. She was a natural nurser while we were in the hospital, but we had some challenges when we got home. Kaylan looked a little jaundiced to me before we left the hospital, but the neonatologist said she was fine. She was harder to keep awake for feeding when once we got home and my nipple soreness started. I had no idea how much my nipples would hurt beforehand, but I had told myself that this is the only way this baby can eat and I'll get through whatever I have to. When we went back for her two day checkup at the hospital, her bili level was high enough that she had to stay overnight under the lights. The dr told me to go home and rest and come back to ck on her. I basically told her she was crazy if she thought I was leaving that baby in another room much less leaving her there and going home. She wanted to give her a bottle of formula, but I told her my milk had come in and formula was out of the question. I was engorged so it was hard for her to latch, but every two hours she was taken out of the isolette with a biliblanket and plugged into the wall near a chair where I sat and nursed her. They arranged for me and my husband to use an empty hospital room as a hotel room for the night. The next day we went home with a biliblanket and plugged the baby in as we moved about the house. Her levels went down in a few days, and we settled into our nursing relationship. My husband was amazed that "she just eats right there!" He was supportive, but I had no other support and my only friends that had nursed, had teenagers.

I went to work a few hours at a time when she was a week old and she went with me. By three weeks old, I was working fulltime with her at the office. I nursed on demand with no supplements until she was about 7 mths and started having an occasional cracker or cookie. At 8 mths she started instant grits for the iron and we started gradually increasing her solid foods. She started daycare at 11 mths and took bottles of pumped milk and a sippy cup of cold pumped milk. She continued to nurse on demand when not at daycare. I nursed her wherever we were: in church, in the mall, Walmart, restaurants, wherever. She had the sweetest little sound she made in anticipation when I laid her back in my arm and started unlatching my bra, then her little eyes would roll back in her head in pure delight as she began nursing. After about six months, I had several friends that all had baby girls the same summer I had her, but none of them ever considered breastfeeding. By the time Kaylan was six months, I was often asked, "How long are you going to do that? Isn't she getting teeth?" Yes, she had teeth. She was actually walking, talking and potty trained before she weaned. My husband was still supportive of our nursing, but he became more uncomfortable with nursing in public after about 18 mths. Kaylan slowly weaned herself and last nursed the night before her third birthday.

I had always known I wanted two children, but we got caught in daily life with the first and kept putting off the second. When Kaylan was almost 7, I started planning the second as I had planned her. Meredith was born three weeks before Kaylan turned 8. Kaylan was old enough that I wanted her fully involved with all aspects of the new baby. She was not only there for sonograms, but she was in the delivery room when I gave birth to Meredith. I told everyone ahead of time that she was to be the first one to told the baby (we didn't out the sex of either of our babies until they were born), and I have a picture of Kaylan holding Meredith and grinning ear to ear that I actual took myself while I was getting my episiotomy stitches! Meredith was born at River Oaks East (Woman's) and I arranged ahead of time for a private transition, so she would not be taken from the room after birth. She roomed in during the hospital stay and Kaylan and Robby stayed with us the two nights we were there. Meredith had reflux and started screaming the night she was born. She nursed like a champ, but spit up a lot and screamed a lot. I had the same three weeks of unreal nipple pain with her that I had with Kaylan, but then we were good to go other than the reflux. We tried Zantac with little results and things finally calmed down at about 9 weeks. I had changed jobs and wouldn't be able to take her to work with me, but I planned her birth for the week Kaylan finished second grade, and worked from home for twelve weeks so I could enjoy the summer home with both girls. My sister in law's mother kept Meredith when I returned to work a week after Kaylan started third grade. I pumped milk for her and nothing else crossed her lips for 9 mths. Then we started the grits and mashed table foods and gradually increased her solids as I'd done with Kaylan. She started daycare at 12 mths and took pumped milk in sippy cups. I intended all along to let her wean herself as Kaylan had, so when someone asked how long she was going to nurse, I told them they'd have to ask her. Extended nursing had more benefits this time. A girl at work had her first baby when Meredith was 4 mths old. I'd been pumping and freezing milk and already had way more than I needed, so when the friend had supply problems, I filled a cooler with frozen milk and took it to her to feed her baby. When Meredith was 20 mths old another friend at work had preemie twins. They were born at 29 weeks weighing 2lbs 6 oz and 2lbs 9oz. The mother had planned to formula feed and called me freaked out that the nurses were pressuring her to pump for them. She tried and was never able to produce more than an ounce here and there, so I offered to pump for them since I was still pumping milk for Meredith's sippy. For 5 1/2 weeks, I pumped for the twins, setting the alarm to get up and pump during the night. It was a wonderful feeling when they were given my milk by tube feeding and their dad said it was like pouring Miracle Grow on them because they finally started gaining. They were weighed every night and I got the daily report on their growth. They were transitioned from my milk to formula and went home problem free at 8 weeks.

Meredith was walking, talking, potty trained, and could write her name when she weaned at 3 1/2 years. I wouldn't trade those years and the experiences of nursing my babies for anything. I gave them the best possible start in life.

Yes, it's hard sometimes. No, I didn't feel tied down. I was actually free from carrying bottles and worrying about how long I'd be out shopping and running out of formula. I had all the milk I needed on tap and ready for whenever my baby wanted it. I did have the jaundice problem with Kaylan, had severe sore nipples with both girls and had a few clogged ducts. I got quite a few looks when I sat on a bench in the mall nursing a two year old. I often walked through Walmart pushing a buggy and grocery shopping with my shirt up and a baby attached. I never like any coverups, but I was always covered by just pulling up my shirt and letting it gather around baby's mouth. I set up what we jokingly called "the lactation station" in a rarely used room at work to pump. I put bottles in a cooler bag in the fridge during the day. It was something to work around, but I didn't consider it difficult to continue pumping and nursing when I went back to work. I would definitely recommend nursing to any expectant mother. There's no other experience in this life like it!

Kim Kosek T minus 20 seconds until nap time is over...ready type! What made you decide to breastfeed? It just seemed like the natural thing to do, and you can't go wrong with natural. My friend Britanny always teases me because I'm always saying, "Take it back to the cavemen days." That's why no Splenda...and breastfeeding! Of course, I'm so glad that I don't have to breast feed my baby swaddled in a big bamboo leaf while being chased by a dinosaur. I've just always loved the idea of breast feeding. It's so natural, and to me I've never felt more "Made by God" than when breastfeeding. It just feels like...this is my purpose (or at least my boobs purpose!) Was it what I expected? Not with my first (Kate). With the other two, yes, because I knew just what to expect. With Kate it was tough, it was very very tough. It was bruised, raw nipples. A girly who wouldn't latch on, lots of tears by me (ironically, none by her). Lots of paranoia that she wasn't getting the nutrients she needed, thus, lots of pumping so that I could know just how much she was getting. I guess I thought, I'd just sit down with a candle lit, music playing, and Kate would just start sucking. I didn't realize all the technique that went into it. I would get so very very tense when nursing Kate. I would hunch over, grab my nipple with two fingers, try to shove it into her mouth, which usually wasn't even ready to nurse, and then I'd freeze perfectly still like a contorted statue in hopes that she wouldn't let go. This went on for several months, I never realized how nice and relaxing nursing could be until Jack (#2). How did you overcome any problems? Support from my good friend Laurie, who had her first child just 4 weeks before me. We would vent to each other and pull each other through the hard times. There were lots of people telling me just try formula, or supplement, etc. But, I'm not one for quitting. I wanted to conquer this. I wanted to do everything that I could do for my child...and this just seemed like a no brainer. I really didn't read many books, sometimes it's just overload when it's on paper. It's easier for me to talk to someone and that's what I did. Best advice... Relax! Never heard this when trying to nurse Kate, but for me the whole experience changed when I stopped worrying about frequency, length of time latched on, how many feedings each day, poops/pees and just let my motherly instinct take over. I was so much more in tune to the baby and not the clock or the timer (yes, I used a timer with Kate). How long? Kate...I nursed her 4 months, then went back to work so supplemented with pumped milk out of a bottle until around 6 months. Then I quit nursing, but had enough milk stored up in the freezer to get us to 7 1/2 months. No Lean Cuisines in my freezer...all milk! Jack 4 months. Joseph 4 months and counting. (He is the first baby that I've stayed home with...I worked with Jack and Kate.) Judged? I never had a bad experience of feeling judged, except the occasional young girl without kids that might say, "Oh my gosh, that's so gross." But, I had to laugh that off. There were a few people at work that made the comment, "I don't want my son sucking on the same boobs that provide entertainment for my husband." Again, so childish that it really didn't bother me. I really try to stay off my soapbox about these sensitive topics because I know it's such a personal experience and I hate to rock the boat...breastfeeding and discipline preferences. Two topics that I try to steer clear of...unless you ask me :) Work? I went back to work with Kate and Jack. My elementary school was very accomodating to me pumping. I pumped everyday at lunch and it worked out fine. What did I love the most about breastfeeding? That's so easy...the bond! The sweet moments with my children that I never would have experienced otherwise. Especially with Joseph. Things are so go-go-go with three, and nursing is a great excuse to sit down, curl him into me, and just share a split second. Even if Kate is kissing his head, and Jack is throwing his cup at me yelling, "Juice," all in the same moment. There is still something so so special about that moment. It makes me smile just thinking about it. I would absolutely recommend other moms to breastfeed and I do...if they ask! This is not something that I walk around preaching about, because I have a very good friend who was not able to breastfeed...and I can tell that it just saddens her when people push the issues..."Every mom should breastfeed!" because some just can't. And there are others who become such an emotional wreck trying, that I think it's perfectly fine for them to grab a bottle and save their sanity. It's all about YOU...and what works for YOU and your baby. Yes, I love breastfeeding, but I'm very careful talking about it in a room full of women because it's a sensitive topic and the decisions that go along with breastfeeding have to feel right to the mom...and when it comes right down to it regardless of the decisions made with breastfeeding we moms just have to support each other. (Kids are up...no time for proofing...sorry.) Melissa Wallace I knew immediately that I wanted to breastfeed the moment I found out I was pregnant. The fact that it was FREE was an awesome selling point for me, but most of all its the BEST for baby. I had my husbands support 100% on breastfeeding. He was so proud of me for wanting to do it, that it just made me feel even better about breastfeeding. But he was my only support for the most part. I even got negative feedback from some family members, "I give you 2 to 3 weeks and you will quit" (that also made me even more determined to breastfeed) When Dante arrived I asked for no pacifiers and no bottles because I didnt want him to have any kind of nipple confusion. (which was also something family members gave me a hard time about, "you will never make it without a passy") Dante latched on immediately, I had NO problems what so ever with breastfeeding him. And the moment he latched on and his beautiful eyes reached mine, the complete satisfaction he was getting from me, not only melted my heart but gave me everything I needed to breastfeed through the negative family members gave me and through the few hard times of being on call 24/7. With Dante I never looked at a clock to feed him, if he was fussy and I couldn't console him with nothing but the breast, thats what he got. I was accused of letting him use me as a pacifier and that he was starting to become "too attached" to me. But I did go back to work when he was 6 weeks old, pumped at work (my husband got to be a stay at home dad for 7 months, what a trooper..haha) He bottle fed him my milk and as soon as I came home, Dante was ready for a boob, ha. After 7 months I became a stay at home mom. And I breastfed Dante until he was 2. And believe me, I got TONS of grief about that one. Obviously it was a lot less that I breastfed the older he got. When he started eating solids, I weened him to only breastfeeding when it was nap time and sleep time. No one could understand how I could possibly keep BFing my son, he is too old, he could ask for it (night night is what he called it) and that was such a horrible thing!! I couldn't possibly understand how people can take such a positive thing and turn it to be so negative. And of course because he fell asleep with the boob, he was still "too attached". That is another thing I can't wrap my mind around, how your child can be "too attached" to you. After seeing the affects breastfeeding has had on Dante, he is NEVER sick (knock on wood). He started daycare about 5 months ago and has YET to get sick. All I heard before was watch now Dante will STAY sick... And yet after seeing all the benefits from Dante after breastfeeding, I am pregnant again, and I was recently asked by a family member "are you going to breastfeed this one like Dante?" I said "of course" they said "Really? for that long? Why?" Some people will never get it!! I absolutely loved breastfeeding, I can't wait to do it with baby #2!! I loved not only knowing that I was giving him the best thing he could possibly get, but seeing it in his eyes every feeding was such an amazing feeling. I am always recommending and trying to talk to pregnant moms about breastfeeding and the amazing rewards that come out of it. I never got any "good" advice. But I would love to give some, and I think a mom earlier already said it... Do what you want to do, and don't listen to what others think is best for you and your child. Let your maternal instincts tell you what to do. If you stress about it and worry too much about what people are telling you to do, it can make things harder on you. You will know what baby needs. But I must say, with all the negative around me about breastfeeding, I have to say I did have a husband that was extremely supportive, very appreciative and when people were putting me down about what I was doing, he was really quick to jump in and remind me what I was doing was the best thing and not to worry about what anyone else thought. He CONSTANTLY told me how proud he was of me for breastfeeding. And I think without him and with all the negative I was recieving, I could have easily given up or given into what they were telling me. But I didn't and I had the best time breastfeeding, and the bond I had then and have now, no one can stop me from doing the same with baby #2!! Lauren Spencer Cook For as long as I could remember, I always wanted to breastfeed my babies. Not only is it nature's perfect food, but I always longed for the bonding experience that is associated with breastfeeding. My husband was a huge support for me during those first few months, as well as some really close friends that had breastfed their children. Once I got past the first 3 months, breastfeeding was more wonderful than I could have ever imagined; however, it was initially one of the most difficult things I've ever done! Right away I developed bruising and cracks in my nipples from my daughter's improper latch. I saw a lactation consultant to help correct this problem. Things got much worse when I developed thrush about a week later. It was honestly the most painful experience of my entire life, and I ended up taking Diflucan, the medication that treats thrush, for 8 weeks before I was completely better! Looking back, I don't know how or why I stuck with the breastfeeding the first 3 months, but I did...and I'm so incredibly glad I did! Right about the time my daughter turned 12 weeks, she began to become a much better nurser (proper latch, fast eater), and breastfeeding became the enjoyable experience that I had so longed for! I breastfed my daughter for 13 months, and the only reason I didn't breastfeed longer was because I got pregnant. (FYI- breastfeeding is not birth control!).  From time to time some of my co-workers would make fun of the length of time that I chose to breastfeed, but it didn't bother me. Babies are only babies for such a short time, and soon enough they will be too big or too busy to sit in your lap for any length of time. I think more than anything, I loved our mornings together; I'd bring her to bed with me each morning and nurse her and snuggle with her. We both would get a little more sleep that way! I know breastfeeding is not for everyone, but I would encourage every woman to give it a try. The best advice I could give is to do whatever it takes to get to the 2-3 month mark...breastfeeding gets so much easier then! I promise you won't regret it! On a side note, if you think at any time you may be developing thrush (redness, burning, pain after feeding), please don't wait to seek medical attention. Had I got treated when I first started having symptoms, I would have recovered much more quickly and would have experienced much less pain. Lindsey Roberts Johnson  I have always loved children and have babysat ever since I was about thirteen years old. As I got older, I decided I wanted to go into the health profession. After studying nursing courses, I really got an insight on the health aspects of breastfeeding. Not only that, I always wanted to be able to do whatever was best for my children (hard to understand until children are in the making, for some). When I first found out I was pregnant, I was so excited and new from the start that I would breastfeed, at least part of the time. I never knew that people had difficulty and that some women just were unable to. I only learned of this after Haylee was born. Haylee came 17 days early because I had to be induced because of toxemia. When she came out, the cord was around her neck. She was wisked away and intubated. She had to be put on oxygen and feeding tubes and IV's. I never got a chance to bond with her or breastfeed or even a chance to hold her. I was horrified! ...not at all what I expected a delivery to be. After eight hours, I finally was able to see her in the NICU. They had a feeding tube in her nose, and there were formula containers by her bassinet. I immediately asked the nurses why they had fed her formula when I had been pumping breast milk? (Small amounts of colostrum - 1/2 oz at a time... which the nurses told me was a lot.) After they realized they had made a mistake and that my milk was in the refrigerator, they immediately corrected their mistake and gave my baby my milk. On the 5th day in the NICU, I was finally able to hold my baby. The nurses and doctors kept telling me that she would not take a bottle and could not leave the hospital until she was able to eat on her on. I was shocked at this! They knew that I wanted to breastfeed my baby and never gave me a chance to try and breastfeed. They were just worried about her drinking from a bottle. So, while holding her for the first time, I was coached by the nurse on what to do to learn to breastfeed my baby. With the nurse and my husband watching, they were all shocked when my baby began to nurse with no problems. WOOHOO! I was sooo excited that she could eat on her on and go home. Day 7 in the NICU rolled around and they allowed her to come with us for the first time. At first, I had planned on breastfeeding some and bottle feeding some. After the first time she nursed, I was so thrilled to know that she was getting the very best possible and the bonding part of breastfeeding is unimaginable, that I just couldn't possibly give her formula. I really enjoyed breastfeeding and had a hard time giving it up. I breastfed my first baby girl, Haylee, until she was 12.5 months old. I wasn't exactly ready to stop, but I began to feel like people were staring at me awkwardly. Even some of my family members were giving me grief about breastfeeding after she was a year old. I was heart broken during this time. I turned to my pediatrician, and she told me that it was perfectly fine to continue breastfeeding as long as I wanted, because after all, I was giving her the absolute best that I could give her. Even so, I felt judged. My husband supported me, and he was probably the only one, besides my pediatrician, and in some cases they don't support. I would tell any other mother to continue breast feeding as long as they feel up to it. Remember, a mother knows best, and those people who were judging me were likely the ones that never experienced breastfeeding. I enjoyed the bonding time and knowing that my daughter was receiving the best nutrition available. Once I stopped breastfeeding, my daughter was often sick and fighting ear infections. She was never sick until I stopped breastfeeding (another pro to breastfeeding... you're providing antibodies to keep your child well and to fight off sickness). Now, Haylee will be 3 years old in March, and I am breastfeeding my almost 7 month old, Ally. She has been strictly breastfed, too. I had no problems at birth with her, and she latched immediately after i was sown up from my C-section. We had no problems whatsoever. I plan to breastfeed again for atleast a year, maybe more, but I might have to pump for public purposes. I have a nursing cover which works for me. Breastfeeding is a natural part of life, and it is the way God made it to be. I would tell all moms to give breastfeeding a chance. Sometimes it does take extra practice to be good at it, but so does everything else in life. It's not always easy mentally or physically, but to know that you have done the best for this little life that you have created is an amazing feeling! Good Luck to all moms out there whom are having difficulty. Keep on doing what you're doing, because after all, Moms know BEST!! Leeanne Chandler Avalon  I decided I was going to breastfeed long before I decided to have a child. Before deciding to go to Occupational Therapy school, I majored in nutrition at Mississippi State. EVERY nutrition course I took demanded that breastfeeding was the way to go! Then, in OT school I heard it again and again in EVERY pediatric course I took. So, I could not ignore the facts, and the facts are clear, breastfeeding is the MOST healthy option for a babies nutrition. I had several good friends that breastfed their children before I even got pregnant so I knew it could be done. Also, my mother in law breastfed all five of her children. My husband was very supportive. It was difficult at first, but it was also amazing:) I felt so important to my child...the bonding was nothing that I could have imagined. I am a very honest person, so I cannot say it was amazing all the time. There were definitely times that I felt like a prisoner to my house or child because I could not leave, but I really didn't want to leave either. But because I never left my little boy, we are so connected still ( and some people say we are "too attached to one another...I mean is that possible?!?! He is 1! ) That brings me to another subject, I did feel judged by friends/family that did not understanding what all breastfeeding involves, but overall I always felt like I was giving Jackson an amazing gift that only I could give him...Some other problems I had were after a couple of months I started not making enough milk, so I went to the breastfeeding clinic in Madison and they told me to take some herbal pills and problem solved! I breastfed for 5 months and went back to work at 3 months. I do home health so I did not have an "office" to pump in....so ( I can't believe I am going to tell strangers this) I bought a hands free pump and pumped driving down the road! Ha! My mom was always so embarrassed and threatened not to claim me if I had a wreck!  So I only made it for 2 months doing that, but quitting nursing was REALLY hard! I just didn't want to give it up! I'm sure everyone has heard the saying about you don't truly understand how strong women are until you become a mother...it is so true! Especially when it comes to breastfeeding! The best advice I have is..Don't give up! The doctor the breastfeeding clinic said that only about 2% percent of women cannot physically breastfeed, the rest just give up too early! Amy Dornsbuch

What made you decide to breastfeed? i was one of the lucky ones that went into the hospital clueless about bf and it just worked for me. i wasn't against giving the kids a bottle i thought i would just try bf and it worked.




Did you have support? at first everyone supported me and then the longer i did it everyone pressurred me to stop simply because i was exhausted and everybody felt hopeless because there wasn't anything they could do.


Was it what you expected? it was harder and required more of a commitment than i expected.


Was it difficult at first? yes-very sore and so sleepy because they all nurse around the clock.


How did you overcome any problems? none of my kids would every take a bottle. i waited to late to introduce it to the first two and no matter what bottle, nipple, they refused to take it. therefore i found myself nursing the first two 19months and the baby is 12 weeks and it looks like i am getting myself into the same situation. i complain about it, but truly it's a blessing. it would be nice to be able to let daddy get up in middle of night and give a bottle, but they are so precious nursing snuggling up to me and the thought that i am the only person in the world that can satisfy and comfort my baby makes me feel perfect inside even though i might be exhausted. so this my seem like a problem, but it's a good problem for me to have.


What was the best advice you received? If any? on my 3rd a few weeks ago i wanted to give up sooooo bad. everyone, husband, mom, was telling me to give him a bottle-that it wasn't worth it and i called a friend(ashley) and she knew exactly what i needed to hear. she comforted me into knowing i was doing the best thing and it wouldn't last that long and the first few months are the hardest. she was completly right-tough it out. and thankfully i did.




How long did you BF? the first two kids 19 months and baby is 12 weeks and still going strong.


If you Breastfed longer than 1 year, did you feel judged by others and what would you say to support another mom that chooses to nurse for an extended time?yes, i got judged by everyone even my own mother. with the first child i doubted myself but kept right on. with the second everyone said when he turned one-you better wean him before you end up doing the same thing forever. i even lied and told everyone i had quit and secretly nursed him. that was terrible-i hid it from everybody until we were on vacation with my parents and the baby was 19 months old and my husband caught me getting him to nap by nursing him. i wish now i would of told everyone to kiss my booty that's it's my decision.


Did you go back to work and continue BF....was it difficult?i have been blessed to be able to stay home. it's not for everybody, but it is for my family.


What did you love the most about BF? i loved being able to go anywhere with my baby and not have to worry about bringing a bottle, formula, or water. As long as i was there that's all we needed.




Would you recommend other moms to BF and why? i would recommend it other moms, but it is not for everybody and being a great mom doesn't require you to breastfeed. if you do and it works-that is fabulous, but if you don't that is fabulous also. i have never been one to judge mom's who don't bf because i don't want them to judge me for bf. i would say try it just know going into it it's hard but will get easier, look at it as a challenge and you will not be disappointed.


 
Ashley Franz

 
 
What made you decide to breastfeed?




~I am lucky to be a "second generation" breastfeeder. My youngest sister was born when I was 7, so I witnessed my mom breastfeeding her. Because of that, when my older sister and I played with babies, we pretended to nurse them instead of pretending to use a bottle, and I just went from there. Like I said, I am very lucky to have had breastfeeding modeled for me by my mother.


Did you have support?


~Yes, and it really is neccessary for breastfeeding success unless one is very well educated and stubborn as a mule. #1 in importance is the husband, #2 is your own mom, #3 is the other women in your family (sisters, aunts, mother in law, cousins, etc), #4 is your friends, and if you're really lucky there is #5 an actually LLL or other support group to go to. Of course, you can do it without support, but it is much easier when you don't have people naysaying everywhere you turn.


Was it what you expected?


~Yes, but better, much much better!


Was it difficult at first?


~Yes, there is a considerable learning curve.


How did you overcome any problems?


~With the book "The Nursing Mother's Problem Solver: A-Z Troubleshooting Guide" and I had them all: mastitis (3 times the first month, now over 10 times total), too much milk, not enough milk (when i became unexpectedly pregnant with #2), clogged ducts, cracked nipples, etc, etc, etc).




What was the best advice you received? If any?


~FEED ON DEMAND. This is the key to success in all things breastfeeding.


How long did you BF?


~14/15 months with #1, 24/25 months with #2, and still exclusively breastfeeding (meaning no formula or food of any kind) 7 month old baby #3.


If you Breastfed longer than 1 year, did you feel judged by others and what would you say to support another mom that chooses to nurse for an extended time?


~Uh, YES. I wouldn't say anything; I would offer up a fist pound.


Did you go back to work and continue BF....was it difficult?


~Fortunately not, and I can imagine that it would be extremely difficult. Props to working breastfeeding moms!


What did you love the most about BF?

~I love everything about breastfeeding. It would be hard to choose a favorite aspect, but if I had to, it would be watching my older children viewing nursing as a completely normal, everyday experience like eating or drinking or going to the bathroom. They know exactly what she needs when she starts to fuss: "She needs 'Nursies'." I love seeing in their eyes how happy for her they are when she's having nursies. I guess I am loving feeling like their needs are fulfilled enough to be happy for their sister to have her own nursing experience like they did.




Would you recommend other moms to BF and why?


~Oh yes, yes, yes. Because they would be missing out if they didn't. 

Jessica McGill Crownover 

What made you decide to breastfeed?
~ some of you know, I got pregnant early. JT and I were young (I just graduated from high school and it was Sept. when we got married) In saying that, I honestly had NEVER thought of whether or not I'd breastfeed. And obviously, it was a bit of a shock when I found out I was pregnant. But almost immediately after we found out JT basically just said "you're gonna breastfeed, right?!" Ummm...really...my teenage boyfriend (soon to be hubby) is asking me if I'll breastfeed? odd. But my answer was "yeah, i guess". LOL! He has 7 siblings 4 of the oldest were sisters, which were a good bit older, bf their kids and he was always around it growing up.

Did you have support?
~ I did have tons of support. It felt so good knowing that my mother in law did it and supported me, all of my sister in laws, and my mom. I was actually the youngest of 4 and I was the first child that my mom bf. she ended up doin it for only 6 wks. but she had experience w/ it and fully supported me. Also, my very close cousin, Lisa, also was pregnant. We actually had our babies 4 wks apart. She's about 10 yrs older than me, so she was having her first child but had tried for a VERY long time to have kids. so, she had done her research and knew LOTS about bf. In fact, she was my walking, breathing book of knowledge about bf'ing. We talked all the time and spent at least one day a wk together letting the babies "play" and we'd talk. so, we were always bf'ing together. I was so fortunate to have all these "supporters" in my life, bc i was obviously the first of all my friends to have kids..even before my older sister. so, everything I learned I learned for myself or by Lisa. lol. None of my friends didnt support me in bf'ing, they just didnt have the knowledge to give advice, ect. 

Was it what you expected?
~ pretty much. But it was so much more beautiful than I imagined.

Was it difficult at first?
~It actually wasnt difficult at first. I had some issues around 6 mo. into it. But i was VERY fortunate to not have any of the major problems that can come w/ bf'ing in the beginning.

How did you overcome any problems?
~Some of you also may now that I have Pectus Excavatum (concaved chest). I actually had a major surgery in sept. 09 to correct it. but that was well after the time of having kids. Anyway, due to my deformaty, my breasts didnt form properly. they were very small, but one was VERY small and had no fatty muscle mass at all. Because of that, my right breast never had as much milk in it, I believe. And you guys probably know how most babies have a favorite "side"...well neither of my girls liked my right breast much. W/ Kaitlyn, my oldest, I didnt really connect the "why" she didnt like that side. But eventually around the 6 mo. mark, i assume my milk just dried up bc she'd rarely eat on that side. And i didnt realize until it was almost too late that i should've been working w/ that side more to keep it producing. So, for the last 6 mo. I bf'ed her w/ one breast. It was difficult bc the right breast obviously went way down in size to the point it was pretty noticeable. I would have to stuff extra nursing pads in my bra hoping that it wouldnt be as noticable. When Claire came along, i decided from the beginning that wouldnt happen and I ALWAYS started her on my right breast. But low and behold, about 6 mo. into bf'ing her it happened again. I was devastated. I didnt know what i had done wrong...i did everything right, i thought. But obviously, it just wasnt me. it was my body and my deformaty. So again, for the remainder of the time I nursed w/ one breast. 

What was the best advice you received? If any?
~Honestly, I dont remember. Im sure i received some. But like i said, I was young. However, by the time my friends started having babies, most of them were interested in bf'ing...and most bc they had seen me do it. That was so rewarding to me. My advice to them ALWAYS was "Dont TRY to breastfeed, just say you WILL breastfeed". It got to the point where i could tell when someone was coming to me for advice that really wanted to breastfeed and the ones that really didnt care, or werent sure about it. usually the ones who would say "yeah, im gonna try to breastfeed" were the onese who would end up giving up. I spent many coversations on the phone w/ girlfriends encouraging them to keep going, that they were doing great and things would get easier. Some i helped and some had to make decisions for themselves. And thats ok.

How long did you BF?
~Kaitlyn is my oldest (now 10), bf'ed for 12 mo. Claire, my youngest (now 7) bf'ed for about 14 mo. With Kaitlyn, i wasnt quite into it as much. I loved it and knew i was giving her the best, but i also couldnt wait for 12 mo. so i could stop. looking back, I wish I hadn’t been that way. I do believe thats were my age played a factor. I was VERY mature in the fact that I bf'ed to begin w/. but i think my difficulties w/ my breast, ect made me want to be done w/ it so things could go back to normal. With Claire, it was almost 3 yrs later. At this point my cousin Lisa had another child and bf'ed, my sister had her first child and bf'ed, 2 of my sis in laws had another, so bf'ing was just "normal" around us. It seemed as though, SOMEONE was always having a baby and breastfeeding. I had gained SO much more knowledge, experience, ect. So, I ended up nursing her longer than a yr. And honestly didnt care if she stopped or not. If i had another child, I definitely think i would nurse longer and i KNOW i'd be even more relaxed and open than i was before. I also think I'd be so much more of an advocate for nursing in public. I always was (in my mind) lol...but never really did it for fear of embarrassment. NOW i wouldnt mind at all. and it even makes me mad that i cared before. Im definitely a breastfeeding advocate and nursing in public advocate and i will ALWAYS be. I want moms to know that this is what God created your breasts for. I believe w/ everything in my that THIS is the BEST for your baby. Im not trying to offend anyone who's had to use formula, but theres no way that something man made is as good as what God created. My girls have always been healthy, and i credit bf'ing for that. I love that they have been around bf’ing their whole life and pretty much only seen that w/ babies and will probably almost 100% bf'ed their own children. And i can't wait to be there to support them and give them advice. Im so thankful that we are living in a time now that bf'ing is pretty popular. And i know over the yrs its been a trend on and off. But im hoping that NOW its here to stay. That people will finally stop looking at women crazy for doing it. And that women can feel comfortable feeding their child in public. And that they can also gain plenty of knowledge so that they can feel confident in breastfeeding. So, don’t TRY to breastfeed…. Just say you are GOING to breastfeed!


I had such a huge response to this project that I couldn't post them all or it would be forever long. I plan to make this a weekly post until I get them all posted, along with my own. If you want to share your BF story and feel as though your story could encourage other moms, please email me your story......I would love to share it!