Top 10 Surprising Things I’ve Done While Breastfeeding
To all the new mothers just starting on the magnificent journey of motherhood, breastfeeding is both challenging and joyous. It didn’t come naturally to me and my daughter, as I thought it would, and I swore if we succeeded, I’d be in it for the long haul. She will be 2 in January, which I really do find hard to believe, and nursing a toddler is quite a different experience than nursing an infant. Breastfeeding is, no doubt, demanding. It requires a lot of energy to produce milk and lots of nutrients too, but “the boob” holds a wondrous power – it can be the perfect distraction, quiet a tantrum, heal a boo-boo, or lull baby back to sleep. There is no other food that is more perfect for baby and no better place to be than in mommy’s arms.
If you are having trouble breastfeeding, please seek the help of a certified lactation consultant (in my case I consulted several) and reach out to friends and family, as well as your community for support. If you are in the throes of postpartum and doubting yourself for even a moment, let me tell you, I’ve been there, and so have many mothers before you. There were many nursing sessions in the beginning when all I did was cry and baby cried too, as my midwife said “it is a very watery time – let the tears flow, the milk flow…” Time passes so quickly, before you know it you’re in the next phase and all the challenges that seemed insurmountable have somehow faded into the light of a new day.
The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends breastfeeding until the age of 2 and to continue for as long as it is desired by mom and baby. I honestly don’t know how long I will continue breastfeeding Zen, as they say “she won’t be nursing when she’s in college.” I’m just so grateful for the experience. Looking back on our journey so far, I thought I would share some of the things I’ve done while breastfeeding that may be a bit surprising – after all motherhood is full of surprises! Here’s my top 10 list of surprising things I’ve done while breastfeeding.
10. Read books to baby / Played games
9. Danced
8. Washed dishes
7. Vacuumed
6. Shopped at Whole Foods
5. Went to the bathroom
4. Walked the streets of Manhattan
3. Changed a diaper
2. Taught a yoga class
1. Practiced Shoulder Stand (inverted yoga pose)
I hope you enjoy your breastfeeding experience, for it is a brief but intimate time we share with our babies. I’d love to hear your stories!