My tiny bebe with a hungry belly. A bond that will last a life time. A moment shared where we would stare into each other’s eyes, knowing that I am his and he is mine. Where I get to comfort my baby boy when he is tired, hungry, scared, or just wanting some extra lovin’ from mama. The moments that I cherish just a little more because I know they don’t last forever. This breastfeeding journey has created a bond that I will hold onto forever.
It is officially World Breastfeeding Week 2019. Where we make breastfeeding normal and where we raise awareness in breastfeeding babies. August 1-7, a whole week, we celebrate together all over the world. To some women, breastfeeding comes natural and to others, it may not. 
When I was pregnant with Aria, I knew right away I wanted to breastfeed her. When she finally graced us with her presents, breastfeeding her seemed like the most hardest and painful thing I had to do. No one told me that a few days after she was born my boobs would be engorging with milk and painful to touch. No one told me that a teeny, tiny, human with no teeth sucking on my nipple was going to be extremely painful. No one prepared me for the uncomfortableness I was going to encounter from people judging me as I fed my baby in public. Whenever we were out I felt like I need to be covered when feeding my daughter, even during those really hot summer days. I felt like I needed to hide in a dirty public bathroom for privacy. And for what?
My breastfeeding journey with my daughter Aria lasted five months before I supplemented formula and I was so proud that I made it that far. A month after introducing her to formula, my breastfeeding journey ended with her and I felt defeated and relieved at the same time.
Two and a half years later, my son Zae was born. I told myself that I was going to try harder and to not care about what people thought. I was prepared for those gorging boobs and prepared for the painful nipple latching. I was ready to concur my old fear of breastfeeding my baby in public. My son is now almost eleven months old and I am beyond happy to say that we are still breastfeeding!
Five months ago during our move to Texas, we introduced my son to formula as we were trying to make the 24 hour car drive from Cali easier. Two months ago, we converted to 50% formula and 50% breast milk. I can’t say that it didn’t make me sad not breastfeeding full time because it did. But I am happy to say that we are one month away from his first birthday and he is still getting some of mamas milk.
Breastfeeding my son vs breastfeeding my daughter has been a totally different experience and feeling. I have more confidence in my motherhood than I did with my first baby. I’ve learned that doing what is best for my babies is all that matters. Being able to breastfeed my son this long has created that amazing bond that many people talk about. My son and I have a bond that I hope will stay the same forever and ever. I am not exactly sure when I will completely stop breastfeeding but when that time comes I know I will be happy and that it will be okay.
My daughter was born with a natural birth and drank more formula as a baby and my son was born caesarean and has drank more breast milk in his life than she did. Both of my babies are strong, beautiful, and healthy. Every birth is different, every home is different, and everyone’s journey through motherhood is different. What both of my babies need is mamas love and that is exactly what both of my babies have now and forever.
Happy World Breastfeeding Week!!
XO, Kelsey.