Eat Local

You know what's harder than you think? Breastfeeding.

Set aside the nursing in public debates, and formula vs. breast milk. If you choose to formula feed your child, then I respect your decision as a parent.

Now that I've listed my disclaimers, on to the real post.

My breastfeeding journey was set up for success, for a few reasons. Due to the influence of Edith, who was a breastfeeding super star, I decided to breastfeed G, with a year-long goal. Her advice and guidance on all things boobs and parenting were (and still are) invaluable, and I'm not sure that I can ever adequately thank her. Also, thanks to a combination of luck and genetics, G had an excellent latch and surprisingly, I am part Holstein. We worked hard, we had excellent support, and we met our goal and then some. I'm disgustingly proud of us.

But, it's one of the hardest things I've ever done. You're physically and emotionally exhausted from lack of sleep, and your body is trying to meet its own caloric needs AND provide nutrition for this brand new parasitic bundle of joy. And if you think you can just point said parasite towards the desired nipple and all will be well, you'd be wrong. There's positioning, latching, rogue milk spray, supply dips, engorgement, pumping, timing feeds, washing bottles and pumping supplies, and your sanity to worry about. (And, if you're lucky, mastitis...more than once. It starts with a sore spot, moves to a sore boob, ends in chills, body aches, and fatigue. The best part is that part of the treatment is NURSING FROM THAT SIDE. Motherhood is a cruel bitch.) I specifically remember feeding G in the middle of the night (more than once) without opening my eyes. I am still convinced that this technique helped me fall back to sleep faster.

(I'd like to pause here and inform everyone that one of my best friends is nursing her twins. TWINS. I don't think she's human.)

So, my new mommas, you are not alone. It's hard, and it's painful, and you just want to give your nipples a break. Your life and body are ruled by the hunger of the world's tiniest terrorist. I'm not going to say "cherish these moments", because it's hard to cherish lack of sleep and debilitating physical exhaustion, but I will remind you that one day it will have all been worth it. I know that you don't believe me, and that's ok. You're probably only half awake right now, anyway. Just keep on keepin on (thanks, Joe Dirt), take it one day, one hour, one minute at a time, if that's what it takes to keep you sane. Find strength, encouragement, and advice from those close to you. Ask for help.

YOU can do this.