Just Between Us

A friend of mine often shares thoughts and articles on breastfeeding, and after reading about it today I feel so full of gratitude that I can breastfeed my babies. I am realizing more and more how fortunate I am to be able to breastfeed my kids. And though I sometimes hate breastfeeding, it's been really easy (as far as not having complications). For the most part, I am not interested in debating the importance of breastfeeding. That decision is mine to make only for myself, not for others. I feed my kids breast milk from my breast, I feed them pumped breast milk, and I feed them formula. Then, when they are old enough I feed them foods. But, as I breastfeed I am grateful for the blessings of doing so. I am grateful for the memories and moments it creates for my kids and I. Moments that are just between us, that nobody else fully understands or has a part in.

When your baby looks up at you, with nipple in mouth and smiles so big that they loose the latch.

When your children find comfort from simply placing their hands down the neck of your shirt.

When TB pulls the collar of my shirt out and looks down at my breast as if he were browsing the fridge for the perfect snack.

When you and your baby both drowse off during a feeding session and you are awoken by the baby latching back on. (I love how startling a feeling that is- I'm never MORE easily alert and awaken.)

This morning, as I prepared to shower we had one of those moments, I lifted off my shirt and TB SQUEALED in delight at the sight of my breast. He started to make his "excited to eat" sounds and crawled over to me. As if the only reason in the world I would ever be naked is to make his job of eating easier.

"No pictures while I'm eating MOM!"

Just between us, I've never been prouder of my body than when I see it through the eyes of my babies- perfect, wonderful, and satisfying. I love being able to extend the life giving powers and blessings of pregnancy into the first year of my children's lives, not yet giving up the role of growing a healthy baby. These moments are why I am most grateful to be able to breastfeed my babies.