Boats, Breastfeeding, Baseball & Bieber

Breastfeeding has by far been one of the most challenging, yet also rewarding, experiences of being a mom.  My son, Eli, is almost 8 months old and I am proud to say I have been able to continue breastfeeding this long.  When I say "proud" I am by no means shaming those who use formula (heck, I was formula fed)!  What I AM saying is that I'm proud I've been able to stick with my original decision since day one, regardless of outside opinions. 

The moment I became pregnant I knew I wanted to breastfeed for a number of different reasons; some were for baby, and some were selfishly for me.  For babies, breastfeeding pros include numerous health benefits, immune boosting and possibly reducing future health risks.  As far as pros for me, I not only give it [almost] all credit to the losing baby weight, but it's also FREE.  YES! Free!!  I am not ashamed to say this was probably the number one reason prior to Eli's arrival why I wanted to breastfeed.  I already knew our budget would be tight, so to me it was a no-brainer to give all these benefits to baby while also saving money. 

After Eli was born, reality kicked in.  Even as a health professional I started to see why breastfeeding might not always be everyone's first choice.  It's time consuming, exhausting, draining--emotionally AND physically...and did I mention exhausting!?  Additionally, there's learning the different ways to hold your baby while nursing, getting your baby to latch, introducing a bottle at daycare, worrying if you're producing enough, planning your day around feeding schedules, society's confusing stigma on breastfeeding in public, pumping...oh, don't get me started on pumping!! 

Through all these obstacles, it's no surprise that many moms give up on breastfeeding even when they first chose to do so.  Sure, there are support groups and classes and a plethora of books you can read, but what it all comes down to is what works best for you and your baby.  For me and Eli, breastfeeding has worked out so far, but not without a few minor bumps along the way.

Now what about TRAVELING (or really, doing ANYTHING or going ANYWHERE) while breastfeeding?? Well...it is interesting to say the least.  For example last weekend my family finished our long weekend getaway in Chicago.  As with any outing Eli is a part of, I not only had to pack a billion spare clothes and diapers/wipes, but I also had to "plan" where I would nurse if he started getting hungry.  Before you ask, yes, technically I can nurse anywhere I want to (there are actually laws in 49 states which support breastfeeding moms' rights), but truthfully I feel more comfortable in a quiet space that's not in the middle of crowds; just personal preference.  A mother's room is ideal;  I refuse to go in a bathroom to nurse (do any of us eat in a bathroom..?) but it doesn't mean I haven't in the past.....Regardless of location, when Eli gets cranky sometimes I just gotta do what I gotta do.  After this long weekend, I have now nursed on a train, in a hotel, a Starbuck's off Michigan Ave, a sightseeing boat, a double decker bus, Lou Manalti's pizza shop, a Taco John's in Wrigleyville and even Wrigley Stadium.  Eli is a hungry boy, and I'm happy I can still have this bond with him. (Even though he seems to love his pureed fruits and veggies now, too)!
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After we returned from Chicago, my step-sister Madison was so awesome to let me tag along with her to the Justin Bieber concert!!  Having worked all day, I didn't get to nurse Eli until very late in the evening.  I could have brought my pump to the arena, but I didn't want to miss ANY of the excitement.  Just one of the choices you have to make as a breastfeeding/pumping mom.  The "girls" weren't happy with me going so long between pumping sessions, but I think the show was well worth it!

Here's to hoping it won't be this long between posts 'til I write again :)