I am re-writing this entry simply because I wanted it to make more sense aside from bragging about reaching our 3rd year of breastfeeding; I wanted to share how this experience helped me in so many ways and how it made want to reach this far and still continue despite all the pressures of the real world.
It is true. Breastfeeding is not easy. It is not magic and definitely not always a picture-perfect scene! There were a lot of things that I had to give up because I chose to exclusively breastfeed my daughter and just like other new moms or all moms in general, there were days when I just laid down in bed and thought of quitting. But I guess that's the magic of motherhood, you won't stop and will never stop for as long as it's for the benefit of your child. All sacrifices don't matter because there is this immense feeling of love that can never measured.
I was very committed to breastfeed. I even joined a group because I was very passionate about this advocacy and I wanted to see other's experience as well. But after several months, I had to leave that group because it was starting to be too mainstream and I've observed that it's main purpose was being tarnished and most of its members started to shame others - especially the non-breastfeeding moms. I just couldn't stand it.
In my line of work I also get to meet expectant & new moms and I always make it a point that I encourage them to do the same but all through out this journey, I also learned that breastfeeding is a choice & it should be a decision between the mother and child. If a mother chooses not to do it then that doesn't make her any less of the others. We all want what's best for our child. period.
I have learned that it's okay to encourage and help others learn about our advocacy but forcing people to choose what we opted to do wouldn't work. We just really have to respect each other and be grateful.
In the whole three years, I've experienced all types of responses from different people. May it be strangers, colleagues, friends and even family members. Some would even laugh at me and even question why do I still do it? At first I was really sensitive about it. I would really get upset and angry each time I am questioned about my choice but then as time passed by, I learned to simply let go and just did not let it bother me.
That's why to all new moms out there, here's my advise:
Do not be afraid to fight for what you believe in. Do not let others make your choice for you & definitely do not feel bad for not making the same choice as the others. Remember, breastfeeding or not, you should already be proud of yourself simply because - you are a mother & that's all that matters. :)
