Saturday, March 04, 2006

Into Each Life A Little Snowflake Must Fall








8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Past the age of 1, I can't see myself breastfeeding. To tell you the truth, I can't see myself breastfeeding at all. I'm too active and too self-absorbed to breastfeed! To be honest, I don't think children should be breastfed past the age of 1 anyways. I can remember things from when I was 2, and I don't think breastfeeding should be remembered. That's just me though. You know I love you anyway, and to each their own.

Anonymous said...

When I was your age, I never thought I would breastfeed if I had children, period. As a person who had a baby later in life and a virtual SPONGE when it comes to sucking up knowledge, I did my research( the one thing my college degree gave me) and made the choice that was right for me. When I had True, I realized that it WASN'T about ME any longer. I think Glamgranola summed it up the best, all of that changed when the most important thing comes into your life and you'd do anything for them.

Extended breastfed babies are smarter and healthier, too. See KellyMom for more information. It's a very unselfish thing to do and I think most women just plain out can't hack it. Some have legitimate bitches about pregancy, but seriously, babies are not fashion statements, or just something to do, or just a part of marriage. I had a friend quit bf-ing at seven months because the baby started getting teeth. I say whatever works to be nice, but deep down I am a hardcore nursing Nazi. Women tend to forget in this society that you have tits for a biological reason.

I think being a parent is the most important job you will ever have, sadly, a majority of people don't see it that way because they are too self absorbed. I am not a typical parent and most may cringe at my attachment parenting style. I constantly hear it from my mother about the breastfeeding and co-sleeping. Yet she compliments me on how smart and caring my not yet two year old boy is. I am happy with my choice and I know the results speak for themselves. In time, with knowledge or even a baby of your own, that view may change. I'm just very passionate about all of this and I still love you too!

Anonymous said...

I know what it does for a child and the great benefits. If I even have children, I just can't see myself doing it. I'm surprised that made any sense... I almost don't remember even commenting yesterday.

Anonymous said...

If you could see me Ms Mamma, you'd see a fist raised in the air, head bent down. I'm totally behind you. I know everyone knows what feels right for them and everyone is willing to settle on certain aspects of what they'll do for their children. Breastfeeding seems like such a , for lack of a better term, easy thing to give. It's costs are of time and physical comfort. When I think of parents spending boatloads of money on baby einstein, geometric mobiles, baby hilfiger gear, but not willing to go through the physical discomfort of breast feeding, or worse, feeling like they're a slave to their child's feeding schedule I cringe.

Now that we're looking into adoption, I'm really sad that I'll probably never carry a child or breastfeed. I was really looking forward to being the only person in my child's life who would have that particular bond with them. Imagine, I gave them life, I was the sole provider of nutrition for x number of months, then I was the best source of comfort and closeness for x months/years. Now, don't get me wrong, I do have vanity. I'd get those boobs reconstructed after the little hellion wore 'em down to nubs cause while they're there for biological reasons, my hubby and I do get enjoyment from them too.

Also, I don't know if bfing is the cuase, but, my friends' kids who bf will actually melt into your body when hugging, while non bfed kids hug with their arms. It's interesting.

While Snowflake may never understand the depth of the gift you've given him, you know in your heart that you've given him the best part of you.

Anonymous said...

OMG! I don't even know if I should begin...yikes!
Ms. Baby, ouch! That was a pretty strong comment. A tad bit of research on breastfeeding would probably change your view on nursing past 1. I was breastfed until 2 and 1/2, I have no memories of it however I was a sickly baby with some serious health problems, I am healthy as an ox now. Be careful of such strong comments to Mom's trying to do what's best for their babies, we tend to take things like this pretty heavy.
Lotus- you are amazing for looking into adoption. My husband would like to adopt some day. The APA is now encouraging adoptive mothers to take steps to stimulate milk production and then nurse...it can be done! It takes a whole lot of dedication but you sound like you are up for it. BFing is amazing, and the bonding is incredible. Very interesting about the hugging, I am going to pay more attention to that.

Anonymous said...

Heidi knows I love her and I support her methods of parenting. I give her props for breastfeeding... personally, I wouldn't do it that long.

Anonymous said...

I'm with Annie, Lotus. I think if you get a young baby why not give it a try if it is something you've wanted to do. It is possible! I would never rule out a good boob job, either. Sometimes a bunch of nursing moms can be worse than a pack of pitbulls, but I think it's because you bond so tightly. Try to remember that, Baby. Dr.Sears believes that if you meet every need of a baby from birth to three or so, you probably won't experience rebellious teens and problem children in general. Babies who are left to cry it out begin to feel unimportant at an early age. I never let Snowflake cry it out, it just seemed un-natural and contrary to my instinct. Who knows if he's right, but I tend to like the way he thinks. From my perspective it just seems logical. I also do not have a spouse/boyfriend that Snowflake has to compete with for time and attention. My world is not like the real world.

I respect how you feel. It is not for everyone. Not only are you pregnant for nine months, you have to continue to surrender your body to the baby. Truly I am happy for a baby who gets it for even a month, it's better than never. It takes a huge amount of endurance in the beginning and then it's just second nature. It is what is the most natural for me.

My brother's GF left their baby for a week before he was six months old and gave him formula. When she came back she noted that he smelled different in a stinky way. Now she gives him one bottle of formula a day so her "boobs don't get so big" and a variety of solids. He just turned six months! I'm completely confused. Now THAT I just don't get, but whatever works. In regards to the hugging thing Lotus noted, YES! True just snuggles in and becomes one and my bro's baby is like a cat over a washtub. I wonder if it has something to do with their vacation in January?! I think he's pissed off.

I know my breastfeeding journey with Snowflake is ending soon. Call me a zombie to his work, but I agree with Dr.Sears when he says that "life is a series of weanings; from the womb, from the breast and from the bed." I so get that.

Anonymous said...

anniem, you know, I just saw something about that on a website. Something I need to look into. I'm not sure how old the child we get will be or whether it will be accustomed to bfing. I guess I need to do more research. You guys rock for being such strong proponents. Speaking of bfing, Rachel Weisz is accepting her Oscar right now. She's preggo and has such big full boobage. I'm so jealous.