Breastfeeding Gifts

Breastfeeding had been a pre-planned pursuit at the onset of my pregnancy. Having known and read the importance and good benefits of breastfeeding makes me yearn for the day when I can finally do it. When my daughter was placed in my arms for feeding after recovery from my C-section, I realized that it was not an easy task to do after all. I did not attend breastfeeding classes nor asked for guidance of some expert. All I did was some reading online on whatever possible information I can get. And I thought I was ready…The nurse taught me to just place my baby on my breast and she will eventually seek my breast  and suck, that’s what I did…everything went as natural as it was supposed to be and that was the start of my breastfeeding journey.

One of the initial and MAJOR problem I have encountered is wrong latch, because of my ignorance as to how properly do it, I thought it was also going to be the end of it all. I suffered from sore nipples until there was a time that I feel as if breastfeeding is like another form of masochism, a means of hurting myself.  Despite these dilemma, I survived and here I am still breastfeeding my 11-month old daughter and enjoying it as a bonding time for both of us.

Aside from the fact that I triumphed over the hardships I encountered in the early days of breastfeeding, it also reaffirmed my worth as a woman, as a person. The fact and idea that there’ll be no other person who can nurture my child is a big esteem booster for me. Honestly, I have felt low during the first few weeks after giving birth, not having my husband with me when I gave birth added to my desolation. But breastfeeding no matter how it hurt me at first became the sole refuge I turned to, an affirmation that I am a woman and I am capable. More than the monetary worth (let’s face it we really save a lot because of breastfeeding) it enhanced my self worth and made me feel the true essence of being a mother. I have nothing against moms who chose not to breastfeed, I believe we all have a choice on the path we take towards motherhood and this is the one I chose to take. I get encouragement from people who praise my undertaking and consider some people as challenges-those who don’t understand and mistakenly think that the only reason why I am doing this is to save up financially. But no matter what other people may think, I know that breastfeeding has been the best intangible gift I have given my child and at the same time a great gift given to me as well. More than anything else it serve the purpose of the set of tits placed in front of my body and with that I cannot be more than happy.