Nursing and thank yous

I began reflecting about my own short journey with breastfeeding after reading a post by Grumbles and Grunts about nursing in public, and although I could say a lot about this sensitive topic (mainly that American society has some screwed up views when it comes to breastfeeding and sexuality), I realized that more than anything I wanted to take the time to thank the people in my life that have made these 4 1/2  months of nursing my son possible.

First, some background.
I went into this venture without many expectations and little knowledge about breastfeeding.  I was going to give it a try and if it worked - great, if it didn't - fine. 

Four and a half months later, I am still giving my son breast milk and my goal is to make it at least another month and a half. 

Why do I have this goal?  The health benefits, the milk is free, it relaxes me, I have not yet learned how to mix a bottle of formula, etc...
 
If I like it so much why don't I extend my goal, you ask?  Well, I head back to work right around G's 6 month birthday, and I've decided on a no-guilt policy.  If the babe and I can continue nursing, we will.  If it doesn't work - fine, and I'll figure out the magic of mixing a bottle of formula. 

Second, the thank yous. 
I have come to the conclusion that my feelings of success with breastfeeding are due to two main factors. 

First, the timing of my maternity leave was perfect.  Had I gone back to work right away, I would have definitely figured out how to mix the bottle of formula.  The logistics of pumping at work combined with the lack of sleep from nursing every 2-3 hours would have been too much for me to continue. 

Second, the people around me have been wonderfully supportive, and I owe them a HUGE thank you. 

My families on both sides have been fabulous. If there has been any discomfort with me nursing G while sitting in their midst, I have been blissfully ignorant. They have kept me company and always made me feel at ease, and when I have been brave enough to ask, my friends and co-workers have reacted in the same manner.

I owe three people a special thanks...my husband, mom, and mother-in-law. In the beginning, before I felt like I could leave my house because I was so overcome by all the baby equipment and logistics, these three made the idea of nursing palatable. Just when I would think I couldn't handle another feeding session out of sheer boredom, one of them would join me in the nursery and keep me company.  They have logged hour after hour with me while nursing, and I am incredibly grateful.

And now, as I am cautiously testing the waters of nursing in public, the same three people have sat with me at least once keeping me company and giving me that extra sense of security. 

Thank you for all your patience and support. 
 

I Guess I'm One of Those Women

I hyphenated my name when I got married several years ago.  The decision got an eyebrow raise from my HR director at work.  "Oh, you're one of THOSE women," was his comment.  "Yep, I guess I am," was my response. 

Then yesterday my mother-in-law and I planned to run an errand and go out to eat - something I have not been able to do as frequently as I used to since the birth of Baby G.  I was really looking forward to some time out of the house, and I believe that it is important for G-Man to get use to being out and about as well.

As it turns out our errand lasted much, much longer than anticipated because of a very kind, very talkative woman, and of course, by the time we were ready to go to lunch it was feeding time for the babe.  I had to make a decision.  Should we turn around and abort our lunch plans so I could nurse the little guy at home, or should I bite the bullet and feed him in public?

I decided to live up to the reputation that, apparently, in the eyes of my HR director, a hyphenated name affords.  I feed the little guy in public...in a restaurant (gasp)! 

I felt liberated.  My mother-in-law and I had a very nice lunch, and so did Baby G.  If people were offended by the fact that I fed my baby while managing to show LESS skin than seen plastered over all media outlets...well, I didn't care.  I was just glad to have a break from my house.