Ode To Breastfeeding

You can file this post under too much information if: A.) you can't handle the word breast and/or nipple, or B.) can't handle the very thought of breastfeeding! So just stop reading right now if that describes you. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Last chance for the sqeamish. Turn away now...

So here we are, approaching the first birthday of our twins. (Deep breath Karla!) When I was pregnant, many people asked me if I intended to nurse the babies. So many people in fact, that I began to wonder if they knew something I didn't. Others would just offer their opinions that I would never be able to do it, my body wouldn't be able to keep up or make enough milk for two babies, perhaps I should start stock-piling the formula, etc. So when the nurse handed me both babies minutes after their birth and asked if I was going to nurse them, I was like....Ummm, I'll give it a try. Cut to 5 seconds later, 2 nurses grabbing 2 boobies and placing 2 babies on them. I know, great visual right! Fast-forward to now and the end is in sight. I have successfully nursed these babies all the way to my goal of 12 months. And the weaning has begun. :)

As with everything having to do with twins, I must make sure to give credit to others who helped on this journey.

*The many nurses who fondled me so much in the hospital I'm sure my huz was jealous.

*The super-patient and helpful lactation consultants. (I had heard these ladies were nazi-ish when it came to nursing. NOT TRUE in my case.)

*The home-care nurse who looked at my boob, when Lincoln was a week old and learning to nurse, and said...'I've seen worse.' Ummm...ouch!

*Lamisol cream and Playtex gel pads for getting me through the first two weeks.

*Nursing pads--24/7. 'Not have enough milk' they said, YEAH RIGHT!!!!

*My super-fantastic husband who pretty much did everything while I sat on my butt and fed babies all day, every day in the beginning. Diaper-changing king for sure!

*The boppy pillow. One of the best baby inventions ever.

*Lila Pearl for coming out hungry. She was the only one of three of us who seemed to know what to do. My little teacher.

*Lincoln Scott. My lil' dude who patiently worked with his mama until we both figured it out. Determination must be genetic?!?

*And lastly God--Thank you for giving me the best (leaky) cleavage of my life.

I know breastfeeding isn't what's best for everyone, and I am totally supportive of that. I just feel super-blessed. Blessed that my determination paid off. Blessed to have two super-healthy babies. Blessed because what I once thought was a little strange and creepy became one of my greatest accomplishments to date. Another way becoming a mama has softened me up. Dang it!