My Breastfeeding Experience

If you don't want to read about breastfeeding, skip this.

This past weekend, Melanie made a choice to no longer be breastfed. I laid her across my lap and she smiled up at me, but then pushed away. As much as I loved providing for my daughter, I didn't fight it. I knew this experience was drawing to a close. I was only feeding her in the mornings and at night anyway. The rest of the time, we gave her a bottle of formula - and she is very eager about her formula bottles. Think about it, if you were thirsty, would you like to suck your liquids through a coffee straw or a sports bottle? Nuff said.

I'm proud of my accomplishment. 11 months of providing for my daughter and we're stopping on our own terms. As this chapter in my life draws to a close, I'd like give special thanks to the people who made this possible:

To start, thank you Mom for encouraging me in the beginning to not give up on my dream. You were my voice at the hospital when I wasn't able to speak for myself. You were my biggest supporter from the start and I thank you, thank you, thank you for making it possible to have this experience. You were right - I loved every minute of it.

To the LC at the hospital - although I have since forgotten your name, I will never forget your determination to see it through. Thank you for researching all the medications I was and would be taking and its affects on my body. Thank you for showing me the ropes. I hope to meet you again one day and give you a hug and share with you our triumph!

Brian and Linda: thank you for being my daily supporters and helping me provide for Melanie. Now that I see how darn easy formula is, and less messy, I realize how much I asked of you. Thank you for all the cleaning, heating, sorting, stowing, etc.

Bobbie: I couldn't have done it without you and Linda buying that pump! Trust me, we got our money's worth. Thanks so much!

Dana, Betsy, Becky, Becca, Rebecca, Amy, Cindy & Tabitha: my sweet mothers who always supported me and my decision. Just being able to talk about it is a priviledge women in another time and place didn't have, and I talked your ears off. Thank you for being supporters and sharing your stories, advice & experiences with me. Special thanks to Dana for finding that Mothers Milk tea (I actually miss it now...). And special thanks to my coworker mommies who had to cover for me while I was on maternity leave & the many, many, many pump breaks I took.

And to Melanie - thanks for sucking so well. :)