Carli

Hi! Well, I mostly have been lingering on this list as I have been making
some unschooling decisions for our family. And mostly just don't have
much to say. But I had to put in my 2 cents here since everyone else is.
I must say that I feel honored to be among both breastfeeding zealots,
fanatics, advocates and whatever else you might call yourself or others
call you. And equally honored to be here with people like Kim who
recognize breastfeeding is best, but are one of the rare people who
physically were unable to breastfeed. Personally, I have been
breastfeeding for over 4 1/2 years over 2 of which has been tandem nursing.
My 4 1/2 year old daughter just weaned herself last month. I am aware
that there are a few moms who can not nurse. I have just never met one of
those moms who could truly not. So Kim, what you had to share has
enlightened me and intrigued me. I am currently in the process of becoming
a La Leche League leader. My attitude towards breastfeeding has changed
and grown considerably over the last few years. While I am more aware than
ever why breastfeeding is so important I have become less judgemental.
While I use to say to my daughter whenever we saw a bottle feeding baby,
"poor baby has to drink from a bottle and can't have mommy's milk," I am
more aware of people having circumstances that I know nothing about.
People like Kim, or an adoptive mom who either did not know she could
induce lactation or was not successful at it, or others who were simply
misinformed or had no information. Personally, I have decided to spend
less energy attacking women who bottlefeed their children and more energy
in informing moms and couples in the importance of breastmilk, the ease of
breastfeeding, and how to overcome obstacles in breastfeeding. While Kim
did not share why she couldn't breastfeed, scientific evidence has
indicated that few women truly cannot although everywhere I turn, moms are
tellling me they couldn't for reasons that I know are myths. Even doctors
have incorrectly told women they couldn't breastfeed. That scares me. I
have also known women who have been able to breastfeed when all the worst
was stacked against them. My own stepmom had a complete blood transfusion
after the birth of my daughter. She physically should not have been able
to produce milk after that (so the doctors said) but she was able to
reinduce lactation. So, I guess I am rambling here, but personally I have
respect for any and every woman who has even attempted breastfeeding.
Every little bit is more than anything. And like Kim, the fact that she
sadly has suffered over not being able to breastfeed, shows her true heart
to that fact that she had really wanted to. I honor and respect those
women. Well, kudos to all of us moms who just want the best we can give to
our children and families. Whatever the "best" may be for us as
individuals.