When someone tells me I can't (or shouldn't) do something, my personality is one which challenges such, and wants to prove them wrong. Because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, I was cautioned against nursing by several medical professionals (including my OB/GYN), because of possible postpartum flare-ups and the possibility of me needing to go back on medications which would be transferred through the breast milk, and which haven't been approved for nursing moms.
My nursing relationship began with my daughter 5 hours after I gave birth to her (much longer than I would have liked, but such a small amount of time in the whole scheme of things), and I have been nursing her energetically, successfully and gratefully ever since. She will be 3 soon, and I am so glad I challenged the "experts" and stuck with my own intuition. Not only have I been able to nurse, but because of the wonderful hormones produced during lactation, I have been able to stay off the aforementioned medications thus far! My Rheumatologist, surprisingly, has been a huge support to me as she has not pressured me to wean for the sake of returning to my pre-pregnancy medication regime. During every check-up appointment, she has nothing but smiles and positive things to say about me continuing to nurse! In her words, I have the rest of my life to worry about meds, but I only have a small window of wonderful years to nurse my baby!
I wanted to nurse because they said I shouldn't.
I wanted to nurse because it was what I knew to be right and good for me and my babe.
I wanted to nurse for 3 weeks.
I now nurse because I can.
I now nurse because it is what my daughter needs and likes.
I now nurse because it is what nature intended.
I now nurse to give love.
I have now been nursing for 3 years (almost)!
Thank you, body, for allowing me to give one of the best life-long gifts to my daughter!
~Laurel, mama to almost 3 year old Madeleine
