An Ode to Breastfeeding

In paying homage to World Breastfeeding Week, I reflected on my breastfeeding journey to date. Eight months of exclusive breastfeeding my beautiful son. 3 bouts of mastitis, months on end of engorgement and a baby that won't even dream of entertaining the idea of a bottle, our journey hasn't been without it's challenges but it's been ours.

Breastfeeding my son has been transformative. It has been my constant reminder to slow down, be present in the moment and not wish time away. As someone whose mind races a thousand miles an hour, with a constant to do list consuming my thoughts, breastfeeding has grounded me more than words can express. What is more important than this? What is more important that prevents me from being present for my child, for connecting with my son in this moment? Before I know it, he won't need me like this anymore. He deserves me to be present in this moment. We both do.

Breastfeeding goes far beyond physically nourishing your child. It facilitates the most intimate, emotional connection between mother and child. It gifts you the chance to slow down, a moment to take all of their little changing features in. Just the two of you. Before you know it your baby is stretched out, spanning the width of your lap pulling on your nipple like a yo-yo as they watch the world go by, or maybe you're nearing your last feed? Your to-do list can wait, this moment with your babies is fleeting.

It would be remiss of me to say that the journey of breastfeeding is not without it's challenges, which many can attest to no matter how long or short your journey may be. But it is amidst these challenges that blooms resilience, determination and the sheer beauty of motherhood. It is a testament to the strength and love that lies within every woman, as she devotes herself to the wellbeing of her child.

As I reflect on my journey, I do so with gratitude. Gratitude for the breastfeeding journey I have been fortunate enough to experience, and acknowledgement for those that don't share these same sentiments or experiences. A mother's journey isn't linear, that's what makes it ours.