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Tammy's Story
I chose to breastfeed my children because I never thought anything other... my mom breastfed and I just thought it to be second nature. After 4 children, I not only still believe this, but it is the only logical choice.
I breastfed all 4 of my children.
My first son was born in 1989 and I breastfed him as soon as he was born and placed in my arms. He immediately took to the breast and it went beautifully.
I had some major problems with cracked nipples and mastitis though after awhile. I didn't know about these things as nobody told me this would happen.
I still persevered but then after 6 months , I got really sick and was told to stop breastfeeding by my family doctor , otherwise I wouldn't get better. I was down to 103 lbs and was passing out all the time. The doctor said my baby was
too big and eating too much causing my weight loss . So I stopped, thinking the doctor was right! ...... I know better now, that I didn't have to. That I probably wasn't eating right.
My second son also took right to the breast as soon as he was born with no problems. I breastfed for 12 months. I stopped right at 12 months because I thought that is what you were supposed to do - duh!
My first daughter, ( several years later) and much more educated, also went beautifully, other than a slow reaction to taking the breast at birth, that I think could be due to the epideral I received. The only issue I had was being bit in the night and almost bit off my nipple. So when women tell me that their nipples hurt or they can't do it. I have to sympathy because if I endured cracked nipples, mastitis and a nearly shorn nipple, then they can do it!!!! I breastfed for 16 months.
My second daughter I am still breastfeeding and she is currently 16 months!!!
The advantages of breast feeding for me were the special moments with my children, the healthy form of food I chose for them, the healing effects that the breast supplies. My children were so healthy when they breastfed, they literally didn't get sick very often.
My only advice is to try!! It is worth it in the end. It is so rewarding and you feel so good.