Ok, here it is...one of my few soapbox topics. I have been putting this blog off for forever, but here it is for you, my faithful hordes of readers.

I absolutely L.O.V.E. breastfeeding. I do. I think that besides growing an entire other person, it is the most amazing thing the human body is capable of. I mean, I can sustain a person (albeit a little person) with the food my body produces. That is awesome.

I guess I am what you would classify as an "extended breastfeeder". I nursed Little Man for 16 months. He is now 22 months old. He has had one more "serious" virus and one mild virus and the occasional cold. In 22 months. The hubbs and I have pretty good immune systems, but I really think the breastfeeding has significantly contributed to his good health.

(Be warned--here comes the soapbox part...)

Breastfeeding is a major factor in developing a healthy immune system. Breastfed babies are less likely to be obese later in life. Breastfeeding is FREE. I wish every mom would breastfeed their baby for at least the first 6 months. I am not the person to look down on moms who choose not to breastfeed. I get that it is not for everyone, I get that it is work, I get that it is hard for some women. I have been blessed with two babies who did not have any issues with latching or feeding. I wish everyone could be so lucky. I have a job that makes it (relatively) easy to pump at work (as it should be).

Unfortunately, the system works against breastfeeding moms--especially moms that work. Little does the system know--breastfed babies tend to be less sick. Less sick kids means less sick days for mom or dad, which leads to increased work productivity. The system also tries to sabotage your best intentions. When Little Lady was born, I was given those stupid packages of free formula in the hospital. One caught my eye because it said "For the breastfeeding mother". I admit I got a little excited--what could it be? You know what it was? Formula. Really??

The system gives you crap for maternity leave (another hot-button topic of mine, best saved for another day) which sets breastfeeding moms up for failure. Having to go back to work at 6 weeks is HARD for someone that wants to breastfeed--especially considering it is recommended to nurse exclusively for at least 4 weeks so you and your baby can get your schedules in sync.

(Ok, that was a muted version of my soapbox. Back to non-preachy stuff)

So, what does breastfeeding mean in our family? For me, it means that I won't pump for probably the first two months at least (I started pumping with Little Man somewhere between 4 and 6 weeks and ended up with so much milk that I donated 250 ounces to an adopted baby in Norwich), which means that I will be Little Lady's only food source. It means that even when I do start pumping, if I am in the house, Little Lady will not get a bottle. This means that I will exclusively do all the night-time parenting (at least for Little Lady) until she is weaned. Pretty good deal for The Hubbs. Does this sometimes lead to some resentment on my part? You betcha. But guess what? This is what I signed up for.

Breastfeeding means when I go back to work for three 8-hour days, that I will be pumping twice a day at work plus once in the morning at home (which I will probably have to get up early for). It means that I am going to have to clear out a section of the freezer (we don't have a storage freezer) to store my milk and I will probably have to store milk at my in-laws.

When I write it all down, it sure seems like a lot of work, a lot of burden. But I don't really see it like that at all. Sure, there are some days that will be hard. There are going to be long nights (or not, because Little Lady has been a super-star...knock on wood). But to me, all of it is worth it. I end up with a healthier baby and the bonding time is so great. It's truly awesome what I am capable of. Obviously I will be "sustaining" my children for a long time--but nothing in the magnitude of this first year and a half.

I wonder what you all think? Breastfeeding is one of those polarizing topics, I think. I am excited to hear your comments!