Nursing is a Marathon

"A woman can grow a baby inside their body. And then somehow a woman can deliver the baby through their body. And then, by some miracle, a woman can feed a baby with their body. And when you think of the male contribution to life, it's kind of embarrassing, really." - Jim Gaffigan, Comedian

I have to admit, I'm still in awe of how I brought Ava into this world and how I can still care for her with my body. Delivering Ava was incredible and breastfeeding her has such a beautiful way for us to bond. Since I'm back at work, Ava does have to take a bottle when I'm not around, but I am so impressed that she can still latch on with no problem. From what I've read, not all babies have an easy time going back and forth. Since Ava has no trouble, I believe I am blessed.

I may I have confessed this already, but just in case I have not, I'll share the following statement... the last couple of weeks of my pregnancy I kept thinking, "I am so ready to have my body back...". I was ready to have Ava on the outside so I can hold her and cover her with sweet kisses. I also wanted to embrace the freedom of having my body back to normal -- and all to myself. I thought that having Ava on the outside would do the trick. In some ways the answer is "yes" but in many other ways the answer is "no"... I still don't have my body back.

When you're pregnant you have to be extra careful about everything you do. You have to watch what you eat and drink, you can't lay on your stomach, and you must avoid anything that can put you or your baby in harm's way -- i.e. rollercoasters and ladders. I may be able to ride rollercoasters and climb ladders once again, but I still have to be very mindful of what I eat and drink.

I believe that nursing and feeding your baby breast milk is one of the healthiest and wisest options available. I've read several articles and the health benefits of breast milk is outstanding -- and the longer you can do it, the better. I won't get into details, but some of the health benefits include, but not limited to: protecting your baby from a long list of illnesses, protecting your baby from developing allergies, and it may even boost your child's intelligence. Woohoo!

Okay, I have one more confession. Breastfeeding... it's exhausting! My whole world revolves around Ava and what she needs from me. I'm usually the first one up and the last one to go to bed -- because if I'm not nursing, I'm pumping for later. I don't just pump so Ava can have milk while I'm at work, I pump so I can keep my supply flowing. Ladies, your body will stop supplying milk the moment you hint that your milk is no longer needed. The more you feed and pump, the longer your body will continue to produce milk. Nursing isn't a sprint... it's a marathon! It's quite the commitment and, sure, I don't always nurse and pump on schedule, but if I don't make the time to take care of business I run the risk of losing my supply. So while some days I feel the weight of breastfeeding slowing down my busy lifestyle, I choose to make time for nursing and pumping -- for Ava's sake.

When Ava first arrived I seem to have an overflowing amount of milk for her. Since I was nursing her and pumping more then she needed, I took the wise advise of other moms and started freezing the extra milk. That was going great, until Ava's appetite increased. During Ava's one-month check-up, her doctor recommended Fenugreek -- an herb used to increase milk supply. We didn't hesitate to pick some up; we got some at GNC right away. I have been taking it for months and I am a huge fan. Ava is almost 6 months old and, on most days, I can stay ahead of her needs.

I may not have my body back, but I don't mind sharing with my baby girl. Ava is such a sweet and happy baby. When she falls asleep while nursing, all curled up in a little ball, my heart melts. Being a parent isn't easy (and I know we have plenty of rough days ahead of us), but I wouldn't trade my life as a mom for anything.

Here is a fun video featuring one of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan. Trust me, if you have kids, want to have kids, or just know kids... you'll find this funny (and true). Enjoy!