This is my journey only and not to offend anyone. It is just my story and how I personally feel about breastfeeding one year later. It is one of the most asked questions that I get. Therefore, I thought I would address it here in the blog.
When I first found out I was pregnant I knew right off the bat breastfeeding was for me. Once I started learning about the benefits/importance it has on a new born, there was no way I was going to skip out on the benefits. You can reap the benefits all the way up to 2 years old plus. For me, I couldn’t possibly imagine not giving my child such great benefits.
I know this statement is controversial, but it is my truth. There is no way I would allow myself another option other than breastfeeding. I never weighed in the idea of buying formula. I would go to the end of the earth & back and pay whatever it costs to learn how to breastfeed.
did you know…?
It is important to note that many things affect your supply, however only about 2% of woman cannot physically produce enough milk. Lack of time on the job, depression, anxiety, stress and things that affect your body in a negative way will reduce your supply as well. As someone thats been breastfeeding one year later, I can tell you that its time consuming, not always convenient and definitely messes with you schedule! However, all of these troubles out weigh the idea of me not breastfeeding, because I make it happen.
If you want more information, Medela has a great mom forum to meet other moms that help support you through your journey. Click here
Legally every corporation has to allow a woman time to pump and if your company has over 50 people they have to have a room dedicated to breastfeeding. There are companies that will even pay for a milk shipping service. For example, Goldman Sachs pays for the service, Milk Stork, to allow their traveling working moms to ship their milk home. They send a cooler to the mother wherever she is with a prepaid shipping label. You can pump up to 72 ounces of milk and have it shipped overnight.
The benefits of breastfeeding also will really encourage you to want to keep it up. I know at the beginning it is very difficult and when I say it’s uncomfortable… it is. Medela says that any woman who can get past the initial 21 days has a higher success rate to continue feeding full term. If you follow Medela, they have a great support team should you ever feel weary or lack of motivation.
Some of the benefits include, but does not limit:
Less likely to get sick, should the child get a rash or breakout on their skin, breastmilk helps heal the irritation, it’s essentially the purest form of feeding, helps the mother lose weight, helps fight against allergies and eczema, cost savings, helps with stomach viruses, lessens the risk of SIDS and lastly, strengthens mother child bond. Did you know that in Europe a lot of parents continue feeding till the child is 5 years old? While it does take a toll on your physical body, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Mommy makeovers are always an option HAHA.
I never put a time limit on how long I thought I would breastfeed, but I find it fascinating that a year later I’m still able to be able to produce milk. We are planning on having another child in the future. Therefore, I intend to continue feeding though my next pregnancy in order to not go through those initial 21 days again.
the magic cream for breastfeeding
No matter what anyone tells you, over the counter nipple creams aren’t sufficient enough. The magic is in the prescription your doctor can give you. My doctor wrote the prescription a couple of days before my due date and I stuck it right in my diaper bag. To see whats in my diaper bag click here. This cream is definitely something you want to put on your must have list while being pregnant. It was a game changer for me and to be honest, possibly could have been how I got through the initial stage.
In closing, you have to do what is right for you and your family. Communicate with your significant other and be very clear on what your goals are so that he can also support you in what you need.
I hope this post gives you a little bit of knowledge in breastfeeding. Please know that I support you and you can do this! Breastfeeding one year later is doable and is liquid gold! For more info… just google it.
If you like this post you will like my must-haves while breastfeeding post.
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yes yes yes! You said everything I am feeling! I did my research before having my baby but I knew my body WAS capable of producing what my baby needed. Breastfeeding IS natural but it does take time and commitment. It’s OK if people don’t want to put that pressure on themselves but for me, there was no other option! I’m 6 months in and we are going strong!! I love that you said you’re not putting an end date on it. I always said I would go for a year but why put a limit on it?! Personal question… have you (or when did you) get your period back?
Loved reading this! I breastfed my son until
he was a year old, but had to stop once he started biting – yikes! I’m currently breastfeeding my baby girl who just turned a year old in October. I love it! Such a special bonding time. I wouldn’t have been able to get through it with my first if I hadn’t hired a lactation consultant – after that it’s been one of my favorite parts of being a mom!
Love this post. I wasn’t able to breastfeed my first after 2 months, I thought it came naturally and I wasn’t really putting the time and effort into it. But once I got pregnant with my second I was determined and I was able to breastfeed until 16 months! I decided to end it because I found out I was pregnant with baby number 3! She’s almost 4 months now and I plan on breastfeeding for as long as we both want. PS the link to see what’s in your diaper bag doesn’t work, can you link another one. Thx 😊
We are linking what’s in my diaper bag now for you. Thank you. I am so proud of you. Did you know you can bf while being pregnant? That’s what I plan on doing!
Breastfeeding is so hard at times but so worth it! I wish I had been more educated with my first son but I wasn’t and sadly stopped nursing at two months old. With my second son I was determined to go longer and we went until he was 27 months old! I am currently nursing my third son and he’s 20 months. I will wean him once he’s 2!
This is awesome and so are you!! Women are amazing! I breastfed my 1st baby girl Reilly until she was 2.5yrs old while I was pregnant with my daughter Reese who just turned 1 September 29th. I plan in breastfeeding her as long as she wants. I am not sure how long it will be since, she has only fed from my left side breast since she has been 3 months and Only really nurses at night and sometimes in the morning. Every child is different! As long as she will nurse, I will keep supplying for her. Good Luck with sweet Navy girl!
Totally agree and I felt the same way when I had my babies. The only thing is my first two kids are 16 months apart and when I got pregnant with my second I wanted to continue feeding my first but my body really slowed down on producing milk while I was pregnant, I would think everyone is different but it happened to me. Four kids later and nursing my babes are still some of my fondest moments!!
Thanks Ashlee for this post. Love reading it and have learned a lot. I’m still breastfeeding at 5 months. Currently I’m sick with dry itchy cough and colds. I know that taking medicines will decrease my milk supply permanently. What is your advice on this? I don’t want to lose my milk supply but I’m tempted to drink meds as my illness is almost a week. Thanks Ashlee 😊
This is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your journey. You have inspired me in so many ways Ashlee- with my daughter, husband, style, food, pretty much everything! You are my role model. You know when people say if you could meet one person who would it be? Mine would definitely be ASHLEE FRAZIER!!! Thanks for all that you do!