I Was The First In My Family!!!

by Maleshia
(Chicago)

My decision to breastfeed began when I was 15. My best friend became pregnant at a very, very young age and because of her culture, she had a natural birthing experience and she breastfed her baby.

When I would visit her, I would watch her nurse and I just knew that when I had children I wanted to do the same. They were so close and the baby was so dependent on her. It was beautiful.

I now have three children and have nursed all of them! The first was nursed for 8 months, the second for 12 months and the third..I'm still nursing at 15 months.

My family always tried to shove the bottle in my face. They made me question my decision constantly by telling me that they didn't think the baby was getting enough, the baby was too big or too small, (my oldest was extremely fat and my youngest is very small), and they really hated it when I nursed in public. I was always sure to cover myself up but it wasn't enough. Some thought is was gross and some of my younger family members made smart comments about how they would never nurse because of the damage it would cause to their breasts.

My Husband was my number one fan!!! He has been behind this Somewhat Crunchy Momma!!! I am very proud of myself for nursing my babies. It was worth the commitment and the sacrifice (I exclusively breastfed so I was literally attached 24/7).

Oh, and I have influenced at least three friends to nurse their babies. YAY ME!