Today it’s official.
I am now breastfeeding a toddler. Some may even call it “extended breastfeeding”. But, to me, it’s the most natural thing in the world.
What a year it’s been.
Marathon feeding sessions, growth spurts, sore nipples, worry about baby’s weight gain, keeping track of feedings, counting wet and dirty diapers, and mastering new nursing positions.
I still marvel at the simplicity of it all. I have been able to singlehandedly sustain another human body for the past year. I have nourished my daughter’s body and my soul. I am humbled by the greatness and power of breastfeeding. We are forever bonded in a way that mere words cannot express.
Was it always easy? Hell no. Was it always worth it? Hell yes.
Thank you to those who helped me along the way. My friends. My family. My wonderful husband who never gave up, even when I contemplated it. My mother who supported me unconditionally. To the moms who came before me: thank you. You are a source of inspiration and motivation.
While everyone may not follow this path, I cannot imagine taking a different road. This is the road I was meant to travel. Along my journey, I have also been fortunate enough to help nourish other babies with my milk donations. I can only hope that my gift allowed those small warriors to fight another day.
I cherish each morning when we wake for the day. I bring my sweet girl to bed, lay her body close to mine, and we share a few uninterrupted moments together. It’s more than milk. It’s memories. For those moments, we are inseparable. We are a team.
I love you, Julia Mae. Thank you for this past year. I’m looking forward to the next leg of our journey.
