So, this morning was the launch of the new book Nipple Diaries: Reflections on the Art of Breastfeeding. Put together by a group of women who felt there needed to be a book of personal breastfeeding experiences this book has been awaited eagerly by myself and many others.
It was produced with support from the Moms, Boobs & Babies support group which I sit on the board of directors for and we couldn't be happier with its existence!
I was asked to say a few words and give a brief talk about the support group. I chose to tell a story about myself before speaking about the group. Here's the story I told (which, regrettably, didn't make it into the book):
When I was pregnant with Leaf (my first) I knew that I wanted us to try breastfeeding for as long as we could. What I didn't realize or plan for was that I'd still be breastfeeding almost 3.5 years later with my little Bean (baby two) AND still breastfeeding Leaf too.
Throughout even the dry period during my second pregnancy Leaf powered on through and now that she's here they are both going strong at the boob!
One of the things that makes breastfeeding my 3.5 year old so special still is what happens at some times when I have them both latched on. Bean will get put on first in a good position and Leif will find his way in however he can! Then, sometimes, Leaf will reach over to Bean and hold her hand oh so gently, and play softly with her little fingers. Then he'll say "Ivy, boobie" and, with my breast hanging out of his mouth, smile with such love for her. It is so super sweet and I love him so much for how easily he has shared his "boom" with his baby sister.
I was so worried while I was pregnant with Bean that Leaf would have a hard time sharing and would hold some sort of resentment towards her for her being on as much as she needs to be in the first few months. Awesomely so, there was no reason for me to fret! He's shared well so far and I hope that the closeness between them will remain even when they re too old to remember these cozy days and shared "boom" times.
