The Leaky Boob.

Dear Pregnant Friends,

Ben was still bouncing around in my very rotund belly, but lots of people seemed interested in whether or not I was going to breastfeed him. Each time someone asked, I smiled and nodded, "Yep, I plan to..."

And I did plan to. Well, I didn't plan, per se, I just intended to. After all, breastfeeding is free, convenient, and best for baby, right? Plus, I'd heard some delicious rumors about how nursing expedites post-pregnancy weigh-loss. Why wouldn't I breastfeed?

Those were the extent of my thoughts/plans. I was so consumed with the fear of getting that baby out of me, I gave very little thought to actually keeping the baby alive afterwards.

It didn't take long after Ben was born (seven hours, maybe?) before I realized that breastfeeding is the most unnatural "natural process" ever invented. I'm not kidding. I still can't figure out how animals seem to do it so effortlessly.

Ben was tongue-tied and he wouldn't latch. He was also jaundiced and he needed fluids to bring his numbers down. The lactation consultants at the hospital (I'm talking to you, Harris Methodist!) were curt and unhelpful. I was exhausted and in over my head. I'll spare you the details, but the first few days were really rough.

I wouldn't shut-up about breastfeeding, but those dang "lactation consultants" sent me home from the hospital with a decent supply of formula and no game plan. A week later, I'd hired a lactation consultant on my own and begun reading blogs like "The Leaky Boob" and "The Lactivist."

Who was this desperate, disheveled crazy woman staring back at me in the mirror? She would talk to anyone within ear-shot about milk supply, clogged ducks, and proper latching. 85% of her friends and family caught her in some state of undress. She was obsessed. She was me. Ugh.

"Will.....breastfeed.......must......breastfeed.......can't.....quit......" I vacillated between steady determination and practically sobbing in the fetal position. Those weren't my finest hours.

It took 14 weeks before Ben latched properly and we were able to nurse "normally." You might have skimmed over that last little part when I said "14 weeks." Take a moment to let that set in.

14 weeks.

I'll do the math for you. It took approximately 784 feedings before my baby latched on properly (an experience I'm convinced millions of moms take for granted) and ate the way nature intended, without us having to use any other tools to help him.

During those first 14 weeks, I almost quit approximately 784 times. Ben's doctor told me to. Friends and family suggested it. Everyone wanted to take the pressure off of me, and I really did appreciate that. But there was a stubborn, determined side of me that knew I didn't get to have the birth experience I'd worked so hard for, and this just had to go our way.

I'm so glad we stuck it out. Things gradually got easier, and nursing was eventually (gasp!) enjoyable! It felt so great knowing that Ben was getting all those nutrients and immunities. I loved the convenience of being able to feed him anywhere, anytime, without having to drag along formula, find water, heat a bottle, etc. I cherished the opportunity to sneak away and snuggle him every few hours.

That was our experience. The beginning was no fun, but I wouldn't trade the rest of it for anything in the world. Ben nursed for a total of fifteen months before he weaned himself two weeks ago. I loved nursing (and I really hope you will, too).

Not everyone wants to breastfeed, and I get that, but so many moms do yearn for the experience and aren't able to do so successfully. So, pregnant friend, here are a few things I'd suggest to help you breastfeed that baby if you decide nursing is what's best for your family:

Do some research. Decide why you want to breastfeed. There are so many great reasons. Look at nutritional facts. Consider the cost of breastfeeding vs. formula feeding, the convenience, the unique opportunity you'll have to bond with your baby, etc. When the going gets tough, remember why you decided to breastfeed in the first place and you'll have great motivation to stick with it.

Get prepared. Ignorance is most certainly not bliss when you're holding that suckling, hungry little newborn in your arms and things aren't happening the way they are supposed to. Take a breastfeeding class or ask around about a good lactation consultant so you aren't scrambling (like someone we know) if you need one later.

Invest in the process. Breastfeeding is a big investment of your energy, your time, and (potentially)your resources. Although breastfeeding is certainly cheaper than purchasing formula, you can invest in a few things (like a good breast pump, storage bags, nursing bras, nursing pads, a nursing cover, etc) that can make it easier and more convenient. The $90 we spent for an in-home consultation with a lactation consultant seemed pretty steep at the time, but it's probably the best money we ever spent. The $90 investment at the beginning saved me hundreds in formula and afforded me a priceless opportunity.

Stick with it. Nursing really does get easier the longer you do it. You and your baby are a "nursing team," and there is a learning curve for both of you. As with most other things, after a while it will become second nature to you both.

Ask questions. There are an endless number of issues that can arise with breastfeeding, but luckily, there are also an endless number of resources to help you navigate them. Don't assume that you have to quit just because you have trouble! Get a second or third opinion, if necessary. Find a lactation consultant or a nursing support group (yes, they exist!). Don't be shy about asking friends what has worked for them. There is great information online. KellyMom and La Leche League were two of my go-to sites.

Soak it in. Nursing is a wonderful time to bond with your baby, and it creates a bond your baby will share with you alone. Enjoy it. Soak up the time, because it won't last forever. Before long, you'll be the crazy breastfeeding advocate sharing way too much information with anyone who will listen.

Happy "World Breastfeeding Week!"

Meagan