Oh, geez, is she talking about breasts again?

Much to the chagrin of people I know, I am a fairly vocal advocate of breastfeeding (warning, I might say breast quite a bit in this one - prepare yourself!). I could probably blog you to death with the benefits, etc. I'm a little surprised I haven't posted on it already. Yet, I've had a fire lit under my tail lately, so I thought I'd just do some thinking out loud.

I've got several friends right now who are breastfeeding their first child. They are learning the first basic lesson in parenting: some things will come easily for you, some "not so much" - and we can't tell you which will be which! Some women nurse without a hitch, while others (me included) have some challenges along the way. That also goes for sleep issues, potty training, discipline ... you name it. The one guarantee you have in parenting is that you WILL struggle with something.

Sadly, we now live in a world that has made breastfeeding an option, and women are pulled away from it, instead of being pushed towards it. My friends have problems and most doctors are handing them free samples of formula ... when they should be doling out phone numbers of women who will love and support them through the nurturing of their child.

I came across an amazing t-shirt last month. It said,

"Weaning is for Quitters!"

I love that.

Now, immediately, there are a slew of women reading this that are already ripping me to shreds in their heads (hey, I'm a poet 'n didn't know it!). They don't want to be told that their choice was the wrong choice. So, who am I to even dare to promote such a statement on the world wide web?

Well, I was a quitter! I weaned my daughter at three months. Was I supposed to? No. Was it what she needed? No. Did I flat-out quit in my responsibility to her? You betcha!

I used every sad excuse in the book: I want my body back; my husband gets that sweet feeding time with her now; I'll sleep more; I can do more stuff during the day; It was too much stress. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah!

I was sinful - plain and clear. I allowed the media, our generation, the formula companies, and people around me to tell me what I wanted to hear. I wanted a quick fix, instead of allowing God to help me be persistent. I wanted my child's eating to fit in with my world, instead of reevaluating and letting God help me re-prioritize.

I didn't stay on my knees as I struggled through it. I didn't dare ask God what He wanted me to do, because I already knew the answer: He wants our babies breastfed. If we can't do it, he has made our bodies so that someone else can step in and help (which, by the way, less than 1% of women actually have some medical basis for not breastfeeding - the rest of us are quitters).

So, I'm a big advocate now. I don't worry about offending anyone, and I don't go out of my way to try not to step on the toes of those who wean or bottle feed. I wish so badly that I had known someone so open, so willing to share information, and someone who would have challenged my decision. When I weaned my daughter, I had a few people that gave me a pathetic, "Ohhhh, that's too bad." But that was it! I just felt like they were looking down on me. I needed someone to say, "That's okay - I can give you all sorts of information on lactating again. You can get right back to it!" I needed to hear, "God knows it's tough, but he doesn't want you to quit doing the best thing for your child, just because it's the hardest thing for you. He wants you to trust Him, and cling to Him while you walk through this difficult time. His answer is not to quit; it's to find strength in Him!"?

I mean, seriously ... if you could vocally have the conversation, let's imagine how it would go:

Us: God, this breastfeeding thing is a real challenge. The doctors are telling me to supplement, just to keep his weight up. He loves the bottle, eats SO much faster with one, and it allows everyone to be a part of his feedings. It really is easier right now, because I can sleep longer, etc.

God: Well, let's see ... I created one portion of your body, specifically for the feeding of your young. I made you so that your body would produce milk that is perfectly designed for humans. It literally cannot be recreated. It is an actual living food - full of antibodies and brain power. It comes straight from your flesh, so it is always the perfect temperature for small tummies. Your body helps to regulate it, so that your child can manipulate your breast to get just what they need. During feedings, your breast actually helps your child's mouth and jaw muscles develop. The flesh-to-flesh experience fosters bonding and comfort. It is the ultimate way to nurture. I realize there's a way that appears to be easier right now ... but it's not my plan. I never promised that things would be easy. I need you to be faithful. I need you to persevere. I'm not going anywhere - I'll be right here with you, through each feeding. What? You say it's just too hard? Remember my promise - I won't put something in your path that you and I can't walk through together. You CAN do this. Get back into my word, and spend some time reading about Paul ... kinda' puts those sleepless nights and sore nipples back into perspective. I'll cry with you when it's painful. I'll hold you up when you are exhausted. I'll laugh with you when the milk finally comes and soaks your shirt! I love you.

"But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children." I Thessalonians 2:7

"And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19