My Breastfeeding Journey

When I was pregnant, I didn't think there was much of a difference between the breast and the bottle. I kind of assumed breastfeeding was something you did if it worked out for a few months and then you switched to formula. Luckily, God intervened and saved me (and my unborn son) from my ignorance.
A friend gave me a book called "So That's What They're For" and I couldn't put it down. I read it cover to cover and informed my then-visiting mom and husband about every amazing thing breastfeeding can do.
Here are just a few:
-reduces the risk of SIDS, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, asthma, allergies, colitis and crohn's disease as well as certain cancers
-cuts down on number of and duration of illnesses, increases hydration during illness
-increases IQ level, promotes healthy teeth and jaw development, improves speech patterns

sucking it up (pun intended)
Once I learned that these benefits continue into toddlerhood, I made it my goal to make it to one year. And I did.
But it wasn't without a struggle. My first few months I was in more pain (physically) than I have ever been in my life. I had mastitis three times and many times it felt like I had two raw open sores on my chest that my son was sucking on almost on the hour! But the wonderful mommy chemicals released during my mostly unmedicated (until 7 cm) birth helped me stick with it. A breastfeeding support group I attended at a breastfeeding resource store (which I later worked for) was key in getting me through those early months.
Truth be told, I have never met a mommy that will admit that they just didn't feel like breastfeeding or got tired of it or were too selfish to do it. Everyone I have talked to had some major, unbeatable obstacle (supply issues, thrush, mastitis, a medication that wasn't compatible, latch issues, etc) that they couldn't overcome.
The fact is, something like 99-point-something percent of women CAN exclusively breastfeed with hard work and dedication as well as the right information (a lactation consultant).
For me, I knew the benefits of breastfeeding my son would last a lifetime and that no amount of money could buy the emotional and physical benefits I was giving him. So I sucked it up. For moms-to-be: You should, too.

beyond the first birthday
The closer I got to a year, the more silly stopping at a year felt. Breastfeeding River was a part of our day. It's how he liked to wake up and go to sleep, it's what he wanted when he got hurt or scared. Okay, and it was great when Jared and I wanted to watch a show and River was getting uber-fussy. :)
I learned about the benefits of nursing a toddler and about child-led weaning, which normally happens when the child is both physically and emotionally ready to stop nursing on their own.
There are a lot of myths surrounding extended breastfeeding, but let's look at the facts.
-Extended breastfeeding is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends breastfeeding for at least one year and beyond that for as long as both mother and baby desire.
-It's also recommended by the World Health Organization, which recommends nursing for at least 2 years and is considering revising that age to 3.
-And for my lovely Aunt Karen, the AAP says there is "no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.”

moving on
That being said, breastfeeding is also incredibly environmentally friendly. With no bottles to make or wash, no formula cans to throw away in landfills or transport on our highways, it's easy to see how breastfeeding during the first year can make a big impact on the planet. In addition, postponing the use of cows' milk (I don't give my son any milk) helps our planet, too.
Because of their methane gas emissions, cows play a big role in the destruction of the atmosphere. Overgrazing is responsible for serious ecological troubles, too. On a side note, I don't have to worry about River being exposed to the unhealthy hormones and antibiotics injected into dairy cows.
And, looking back, I guess that was the first earth-conscious choice we made as a family. Breastfeeding. As a mom who just got done rocking and nursing her toddler to sleep I can tell you, what a smart choice it was.