In Honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we wanted to share this beautiful post from our fave pre and post-natal Nutrition & Fitness Expert, Adele Cavaliere.
Newborn babies don't have many needs other than the warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and the security of her presence. Breastfeeding is a choice and not something every parent can do. And it's certainly not a prerequisite for being a "good" parent. There's no need for judgment or shaming. As we reflect on the experiences of breastfeeding and during World Breastfeeding Week, let's celebrate that diversity of experience.💕💕
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My breastfeeding story in a nutshell:
👶🏻Baby 1: breastfed for 18 months! She latched on right after birth and never let go. I never pumped and she refused the bottle. I was very lucky; no pain, no mastitis and had a super amount of milk supply! My experience bonding with my baby during feeding was the highlight of my day. I truly truly embraced the experience.
👶🏻Baby 2: my son latched on right away! I did start pumping my milk 3 weeks in and breastfed until he was 13 months.
👶🏻Baby 3: again, latched on right away but because of my time schedule I ended supplementing with goat milk formula and pumped breast milk until she was 6 months.
👶🏻Baby 4: baby latched right away! I really wanted to embrace this experience because I knew it was my last. As hard as I tried, I just didn't have the time or the energy to breastfeed solely. I felt really guilty, but my other 3 kids needed my time too. Mind you, baby 3 was only 16 months! So I ended up supplementing with goat milk formula and pumped my milk until 10 months. I still remember the last day I had Cristian on my breast. I started crying the moment I pulled my breast from his mouth--- I know that this would be the very last moment I would ever feel that bond!
To learn more about Adele's motherhood journey and to get her tips on pregnancy and postpartum fitness and nutrition, follower her on Instagram.
We'd love to hear your breastfeeding stories. Please send them to info@bellybandit.com and we'll be sure to share!
