WOULD YOU DIE FOR YOUR CHILDREN?

I've heard parents say it time and time again, "I'd die for my children." In fact, I sit here, guilty of saying and thinking that exact phrase.

Let me deter a slight bit from the subject and give a tidbit of info about me. (This'll all come together and make sense later, I promise.)

I breastfeed. I nurse. Call it what you may, I do it. I do it all the time! There are days when I feel that my only purpose in life is to be a feeding machine to my Baby Diva daughter. At times, I may even feel chained to the same boring old routine day, after day, after day.

Readers, I did my research. I may be a young mommy at the tender age of 23, (nearly 24), but don't underestimate me! I read all the books. I did my homework. I was as prepared as humanly possible, mentally and physically.

I know how fantastic breastmilk is for babies. It's customized immunity and nourishment for your child! I know all the details, read the statistics, heard from experienced mothers. I, in fact, consider myself a breast-feeding expert.

When asked during my pregnancy if I would formula feed or breastfeed, I would always emphatically reply with disgust, "Breastfeed EXCLUSIVELY, of course." As if it were a no brainer. I mean, didn't the doctor KNOW I wanted the very best for my baby? With all the benefits of breastfeeding, who would rightfully CHOOSE not to?? Was my doctor insane to ask?

Then, of course, I found out that many women refuse or choose not to breastfeed. (Boy, was I naiive.) Reasons for not breastfeeding ranged from not wanting saggy breasts, not having time, not wanting to make time, to pain!

Finally, the time came when my Baby Diva arrived. It was my time to shine! Showtime ladies~ time to breastfeed and SHOW the world I'm a great mommy! Piece of cake, right? Absolutely not. It was sheer hell. Aside from labor, it was the second hardest thing about having a baby.

I'll go as far to say that everyone that spouts how "wonderful breastfeeding is" lie by omission. In all the articles, all the conversations, everthing I had experienced concerning information regarding breastfeeding, not ONCE did I hear about the details and exact truth of how painful breastfeeding is.

So, for all newbies out there, here is THE TRUTH. Breastfeeding is hard! There's an immense amount of unbearable chaffing involved in the beginning. The engorgement process is so very, very painful. You spend most of your first months with the baby chained to the same spot in the house, feeding. It is a little bit depressing at times because you're limited to what you can do and where you can go because of the demands breastfeeding brings...and the hormonal let-down doesn't help those "blue" feelings. It may take up to TWO MONTHS to get accustomed to the pain involved with breastfeeding. And, I haven't even mentioned the fact that some women don't have enough milk and how babies don't latch on correctly.

Based on all I've written, would you say that it's safe to assume I do not recommend breastfeeding and perhaps regret it? Possibly.

WRONG. Let me lay this as clearly as possible to all new moms who are or aren't planning on breastfeeding.

Yes, breastfeeding is tough. Know your facts. KNOW HOW HARD IT IS and don't be mistaken about it. But please, please, please, embrace it. You've gone through the nine months of being pregnant. You've done the right thing. Sacrificed. You've even gone through THE most painful experience imagineable- birth! If you're healthy and able to breastfeed, why not do it? Stretch your limits. How long can the pain possibly be, two months?

Back to the main topic. Many parents spout, "I would readily die for my children at any moment of any day." Okay, so here's your challenge impending mommies and daddies: choose to breastfeed if you can. Mommies, stick it through, it's worth it. Daddies, support the wife of your child(ren).

So you say you would readily die for your children? You've given them the gift of life. Now give them the gift of immunity and true nourishment to begin and take on their lives! You will help secure their health throughout their lives. (And in this economy, ease medical bills.)

The truth is, it is more than likely you'll never have to choose to die for your children. Let's prove how much we really love our babies. Choose to breastfeed. If I help one single mom make that decision, I will consider this hub a complete success.

Nothing worth anything has ever been given freely or easily. The warmth and health benefits of breastfeeding are so astounding that I encourage everyone to support it.

Is your body able to breastfeed? If it's a matter of mental willingness, be strong. Breasteed. Throw everything else out the door and choose the more difficult road. THAT is what makes a woman a DIVA.