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What Breastfeeding Is Really Like
As a nutritionist who has counseled clients on the benefits of breastfeeding, I had always looked forward to the experience. Food and love are deeply linked for me, so naturally I imagined nursing would be the ultimate gratification: my very own body providing the absolute healthiest food for my baby.
I never suspected I would hate it. During the first weeks at home with my baby, I thought hourly about quitting and just aimed to get through each day. I felt utterly trapped and frustrated. There was nothing warm and fuzzy about it.
However, here I am 10 months later still nursing, and I can even say I like it. The experience has been quite an eye-opener. The truth is that nursing can be -- and, according to other moms, most often is -- a struggle at first, physically and emotionally. But the good news is that eventually breastfeeding does get easier, and then becomes a true pleasure.
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megtoes...my husband and I gave up our lifestyle so I could stay home. We live off of less than 20k a year (with no government assistance) with a 5 year old and one on the way. I don't work. Yes, you have to give up a lot of things, but its totally doable. My husband is also currently working full 12's 6 days a week. Its not ideal, but it does work, and I'm happier for it even with no disposable income.
12/9/2011 01:21:36 PM Report AbuseI unsuccessfully tried breastfeeding with my first two children and never made it past the first six weeks with either. Now pregnant with my third I had decided not to even try and just start out with bottle feeding from the start. After reading this article it has inspired me to give it another shot with hope that I too can make it past the "hard part". Thank You
9/19/2011 09:37:59 AM Report AbuseI agree with megtoes. I am expecting my first child in five months. I'm only going to be home with the baby during maternity leave. After that I have to go back to work. I can't afford to stay home and only depend on my fiance's income. I have no clue how I am going to be able to supply my baby with enough milk while I'm at work.
1/29/2011 05:47:58 PM Report AbuseUnfortunately many writers are of another lifestyle and income bracket than most Americans and yet try to write themselves into middle America. I also see it a lot on shows like "The Today Show" where they are giving money management tips or showing the 'look for less'. What they don't realize is that the Prada bag isn't even in my realm of buyable merchandise. I want to know how to get their "budget" look for less:)
4/27/2010 11:37:51 AM Report AbuseThe writers of these have totally different lifestyles than the average american family does.Hence "or the nanny gave her a bottle".How about mom of a 4yr old and soon a newborn with a husband who works 9hrs a day? And back to my Part time job in 6 weeks.Oh and my husband is in school.This is REAL life my friends.Some of the info was helpful, but it would be nice to hear from someone who can see it from my shoes,minus the nanny and New York income.
10/27/2009 12:48:25 PM Report Abuse