August 1st through 7th, 2014 marks World Breastfeeding Week! Now, I will begin by saying that no matter how you choose to feed your baby, breast or bottle, your own miracle milk, donor milk or formula, you are a wonderful mom and you are doing a fantastic job. There are many circumstances that allow for one or the other, bottle or breast, or a combination of the two. World Breastfeeding Week allows advocates to continue to provide information, support and portrays the normalcy of breastfeeding. Because, after all, that's what they're for!
I have immensely enjoy nursing both of my babies. I would have never thought the bond developed between mother and baby through breastfeeding could be so special. I knew there was an array of health benefits from breast milk, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed and cherished that special one on one time with baby. It is definitely a commitment, and there were times where I felt very much "in demand" but I willingly owned up to the job and knew that my baby was getting the absolute best. I say it over and over in my prenatal yoga DVD and on my website, "Our bodies were made to grow and birth our babies." Now, I continue to say, "Our bodies are designed to feed our babies." Women Rock!!!
I love this article with some beautiful photos and quotes of celebrities nursing their babies. Even though they live lives that are far from normal, they still provide the most basic necessity to their babies, breast milk. When mom's body can adjust and provide antibodies through her breast milk, depending on some viruses baby is exposed to, it makes any mom feel like a rock star!
A nursing momma will also discover some other super powers, as she masters multi-tasking. I have nursed my babies while typing notes for my website, while putting on makeup for a photo shoot, and while walking through the airport to our connecting flight. On the other side, I have thoroughly enjoyed the quietest moments where it is just baby and I up in the middle of the night and everything else is peaceful. Or if we duck into another room, and I get to hear her coo, watch her play with my hand or shirt, see her eyes curiously look around. In that moment, everything is perfect. Those are the times when I take a mental picture and I do my best to capture and freeze time for just a little while longer. She changes and grows before my eyes and tomorrow she is different. So, for now, I hold my baby, I nurse her and I cherish each moment we share together as our relationship grows stronger and stronger through breastfeeding. Here is a special picture of Clara and I nursing on the beach. Bathing suits are so easy to nurse in!
Love,
Amy