Six Months and Still Nursing! (Part 1)

I haven't talked a lot about nursing on the blog. So I am going to start because, honestly, it's a big deal.

I have felt very strongly about breast feeding ever since I was pregnant. I didn't want to sound preachy while I was pregnant though because there is nothing more obnoxious than someone talking about something they know nothing about.

But it's been over six months now and I definitely know what I am talking about when it comes to nursing.

So first, let me start with an up front disclosure: I firmly believe that nursing is the healthier choice for Joaquin. I understand that many women choose not to nurse for various reasons and respect that it is a personal choice. But I chose to nurse (and will continue to nurse) because I think formula is not as healthy for Joaquin. So that's that.

So, that being out of the way, I wanted to share my experience and thoughts on the topic.

I started my adventure in nursing when I was pregnant. I knew I wanted to breast feed and I also knew that despite being something completely "natural", nursing wasn't always easy. So (and this shouldn't come as surprise to those of you who know me), I bought a book (ha!). I read The Nursing Mother's Companion and it was a great resource, despite the incredibly unimpressive cover. Jay and I also went to a class at our hospital on breast feeding while I was pregnant, which nicely reinforced what I had learned from the book. For any pregnant readers, I suggest encouraging (or forcing) your significant other to attend such a class with you. It is important that both parents are informed and supportive.

Armed with information and determination, I felt ready to start nursing as soon as Joaquin was born.

Check back tomorrow (hopefully!) as I describe the first days and months of my experience nursing and give some tips I wish someone had shared with me.