The Gibson Tuck... In Action

I pulled it off, ladies and gents! This weekend I sported the Gibson Tuck to a wedding and it worked out really well. Lots of compliments on the style, and it help up nicely. I did pull it down at the end of the night to shake things loose, but with just an elastic and three bobby pins (and less than 5 minutes of my time) I am incredibly impressed.

I'm so glad my pal Shannon (friend, not roommate) snapped a pic of Gretchen nursing at the wedding, because it ended up being the only photo that showed the back of my head! Not too shabby.

The wedding was gorgeous -- I'll be posting a few little photos later today, just to give you an idea of the vibe. It was swoon-worth, for sure. The actual ceremony had been the day before, with a huge shindig in the bride's parent's backyard on Saturday. The wind was so extreme that we were all a little worried about the tent, but thankfully many capable hands secured it til we beat the gusts and kept the party going. It was certainly a night to be remember. So much love.

Also, see how Gretchen is chilled out in my lap? She loves to nurse like this. She's such a cuddly little lass, and I love it.

I hope you're all having a productive Monday -- I've been getting lots of work done today and I'm feeling great, despite the rainy, chilly day we're having.

Take care.

The Toddler & The Knitted Boob

The other day, I picked it up and it was soggy from her trying to grab a sippy sip. She's quite the character. I have to tell you, mes amis, I love having a nursing toddler. It's a whole new world of breastfeeding. Being able to talk about it with her is such a blessing. Absolutely beautiful.

Wordless Wednesday (In Honour Of World Breastfeeding Week)

On Feeling Good

Some nights, when things are going particularly smoothly, I try to help Gretchen fall asleep without buckies (aka nursing) to prepare her for the stretch of nights when I will be in San Diego this August.

Some nights she is happy to fall asleep with daddio, but due to weird work schedules, these nights are few and far between.

Some nights, like last night, I tried my best to help her to bed without buckies and I failed. Or at least I thought I was failing.

She sobbed. Buckies, mama. Please buckies? I spoke softly. Not tonight, baby. Lay down, I'll pat your back.

Please buckies?

No baby.

Buckies?

No, no.

Until her tears were too much and I could feel our close connection slipping away.

And so I gave in. But I won't say gave in, actually. I did what felt right. In my mind, these words streaming across the back of my eyelids...

... feeling good is more important than being "right".

Rarely have truer words been uttered. And so I held her to my chest as she nursed, sweaty and sweet. And I sang to her til she was deeply sleeping.

And it felt so good.

Wordless Wednesday (Quiet Moments)

So Lucky

Oh gosh, to spend hours like this.

And we have.

She enjoyed a lot of time at my breast this week. I swear, she must have known that I was under the weather and that her best protection was to nurse as much as she could. And it has proved well.

She's healthy. And mama's on the mend.

Thank goodness.

And thank goodness for my partner who has been helping me rest, and running my baths and pouring my glasses of wine. Never before has it been the case that mama is the only ill one in the house.

And so, we nursed. And snuggled and nursed. And sang songs and nursed.

And all I can think about is how lucky I am to have her.

Goodnight, mes amis.

PS. This post brought tears to my eyes. A must read for my mama friends (and beyond). I think you'll understand.

Day 24: Something That Means A Lot To Me

After our incredibly rough start and all of the hard work it took to get where we are today, one of the things in my life that means a lot to me is my breastfeeding relationship with my daughter.

Back in those first few months I kept reminding myself of my goals... 6 months, a year... maybe more. I'd never have imagined we'd make it to 22-months (next week) and still be relishing in our nursing time together. There are some moments when I feel as though my body isn't my own, nights when I'd rather sleep without part of me being co-opted by another human being, but for the other 90% of the time, I'm so happy she's still nursing. 

I'm often asked when we plan on stopping. My answer? She'll stop when she's ready. I know in my heart that weaning isn't for us. My child's personality is very much like my own & I can only imagine what that would mean if I tried to take her "baks" away from her. 

I feel quite fourtunate. Working from home and living on the same street as our fabulous daycare provider means that our nursing career can continue uninterrupted until the day when Gretchen has decided she's had enough. On some days she's still nursing anywhere from 5-8 times a day. Morning, nap & night -- and a few snacks along the way. More if she's not feeling so well or if we're home together all day. One daycare days she nurses when she wakes up, once at 11am (I go and bring her home for a little top up) and then, even after she comes home from daycare, she might not ask for milk at all until bedtime. Other days she can't even look in my direction without wanting a few gulps. 

It varies so much, but she knows what she likes/wants/needs and, to a reasonable extent, I won't deny  her.

Now that she is older I am less likely to stop everything and breastfeed just because she's asking. She'll be two in just a few months and I know that she is perfectly fine to wait til we're out of the grocery story, or until we've left the park, or until mama's finished eating dinner. Sometimes (like tonight) we were out a bit later and I did nurse her in the sling while her daddio & I did groceries, but usually I'll ask her to wait til I have a couple free hands. Generally she's ok, and can be distracted, but there are times where there's just no sense in saying "wait", because she's absolutely not up for it.

 

When we're at home, my favourite place to nurse her is on our couch in the living room. I snuggle into one corners, she sits on my lap and tucks in for some "bakays". She can say "milk" quite clearly now, but she doesn't like to use that word for MY milk. She also loves almond milk now, which she likes to sip from her tiny Gretchen sized cups.

Breastfeeding is my go-to for everything. It makes her happy, it calms her, it helps her sleep, it helps her get going in the morning, it soothes her when she's hurt & it makes us both feel really good.

In the future I am definitely considering becoming a lactation consultant, and even further in the future, I'd love to be a La Leche League leader. I'm also really excited about helping my future doula clients with their breastfeeding journeys. 

I never could have imagined that this would become such a huge and amazing part of my life, but now I can hardly imagine a day without it. 

Day 17: My Family & Myself

We're a rather lovely bunch, if I do say so myself!

The boy, the babe & the mama. We're a small family, but full of love. However, tiny as my family may be, I count myself part of a MUCH larger one -- my chosen family. The friends who feed my soul, who love me & know me. Who adore my daughter & always know exactly what to do. You know who you are. And I love you.

Have a wonderful Thursday, dear hearts!

PS. One member of my family was up a tree the other day, and as a result, wound up on our neighbour's blog!

The 2010 Breastfeeding Challenge

This morning Gretchen & I participated in our 2nd Breastfeeding Challenge in honour of World Breastfeeding Week. (You might remember that we went to this event last year as well!) It was held at our local movie theatre again and we had a wonderful time with friends -- nursing & chatting & afterward we all watched the BABIES documentary. So sweet. I'm glad we're making this a sort of tradition! (Unlike last year, Gretchen is now much to on-the-move to put up with sitting in my lap the entire time, so she ran about, munched on her cheddar bunnies and shouted things at the screen -- she really does take after me!)

Hope you're all having a wonderful Saturday, no matter what you're up to!

Did any of you take part in the Breastfeeding Challenge in your area?

Who Knew

Who knew that after all our struggles, we'd still be nursing at 19 1/2 months?

Who knew that I would adore breastfeeding with every fiber of my being?

Who knew that I'd become a lactivist, a birth enthusiast, an aspiring doula?

Who knew that all these hours, snuggled up, napping together, breathing together would be the best moments of my life?

Who knew that just a few months shy of her second birthday we'd still be nursing with no signs of stopping?

Who knew a mama could feel like this?

Twenty months ago, I didn't. But I certainly do now.

And it's amazing.

...

PS. If you were to visit my friend Steph's wonderful blog today & you might just see a familiar little face. Also be sure to read her guest post over at Marvelous Kiddo -- about about babywearing in Autumn.

To Kayce, With Love

A beautiful thing happened today.

Today I saw people reaching out. Today people made a difference.

Kayce (@heartsandhandss) is an amazing woman, who after the loss of her baby boy Tyrion Caelith at just 13 weeks and 4 days, has decided to pump and donate her breastmilk to babies in need.

This has to be one of the most selfless acts of kindness and love that I have ever witnessed.

However, after hearing that she was armed with only a single pump (which isn't ideal for full time pumping) a dear friend, Amber (@BirthRoutes) began to raise funds for a hospital grade double pump.

All day long the donations have been pouring in for this awe inspiring woman, but she will need ongoing support for other supplies as well, to help her along her journey.

To see such support coming from the blogging/Twitter community is simply incredible, and I thank each and every one of you who has come forward with a donation.

If you'd like to make a donation of your own, simply click here.

To read Amber's beautiful post, please visit Birth Routes.

And All The Best To Your And Your Nurslings

To wrap up World Breastfeeding Week, I'd just like to share with you a few of my previous posts about my nursing relationship with Gretchen.

Wishing You All The Breast

Breastfeeding, La Leche & The Coming Of Spring

Sticking With It: Our Breastfeeding Story

Because A Hungry Baby Can Happen Anytime & Anywhere

Cosleeping, Cribs & Doing What Feels Right

You Can't Phase Me

Have a fabulous Saturday, mes amis!

In Honour Of World Breastfeeding Week

I originally published this post last spring & I'd like to share it with you again today to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7).

...

Earlier today I was nursing Gretchen in her sling while waiting in line at the store when a woman approached us. I was a little anxious because I had noticed her staring at me. She touched my arm and just as I was getting ready to defend my right to breastfeed in public she said, "It's so beautiful to see you nursing your child. It's really beautiful".

I couldn't believe it.

I had been expecting to be verbally flayed by a nosy onlooker and instead she praised me and smiled.

I think I'm still in shock.

All this time I had it all worked out in my head what I might say if someone said something negative to me about feeding my child in public, but never once did I imagine that I might be commended for it.

To the woman in the store, thank you.
I will always remember that moment.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week, mes amis.

PS. Gretchen's homebirth story was published on Birth Routes this afternoon. Click here if you'd like to take a peek.

PPS. I haven't forgotten about my blogoversary giveaway -- it's coming soon, I promise!

This Mama Has More Slings Than Shoes

My babywearing collection has grown again & if you're in the market for a ring sling, I would highly recommend visiting BabyEtte. I recently bought this batik beauty & I'm absolutely in love. The fabric is fantastic, the sling is superbly made & it's long/wide enough that I can wear her in every way imaginable.

This, of course, would be Gretchen's favourite way to be slung:

I can't tell you how many times this exact position has saved us while out running errands. I've done entire grocery shopping trips just like this.

Happy baby, happy mama.

Photos taken by the boy.

This Mama's A Ring Slinger

This is what nursing a sleepy 16 1/2-month-old in a ring sling looks like.

While I was off at a friend's birthday luncheon this afternoon, the little miss refused to nap for daddio and so this evening she only wanted to nurse & snuggle & doze off in the sling. Once again, babywearing solves every problem -- I even cooked dinner like this.

PS. I promise to share our IKEA finds from the other day very soon.
PPS. Dinner tonight = cauliflower/lentil curry with quinoa.
PPPS. Check out my latest Mom Ok'd post.

She Walks, Ladies & Gents

My mind has been officially blown. In the last two weeks she's gone from a scooter to a strutter. She walks, almost all the time -- all around the house, in the backyard, through the park. She doesn't want to sit in her Chariot, but she'll still let me wear her. She really just wants to put her feet on the ground and go, go, go.

My tiny baby is a little girl.

Last night she slept through the night for the first time ever. From 8pm til 6am, she slept on her own little mattress at the foot of our bed. At around six she woke up and crawled into bed with us for some early morning snuggles & milk. She'll always be welcome in our bed, but it's lovely to see her feeling comfortable enough to sleep on her own.

Who knows what tonight will bring.

It's amazing what can be accomplished in just under sixteen months.

My Gentian Violet Girl

Quick purple-face pic, taken by the boy.

After a few days of super painful nursing (just on the right side) I started to realize it wasn't going away on its own and that I needed some intervention.

At first I thought I had a blocked duct, or possibly the beginning of mastitis, but after another day I'm more convinced that it may be thrush (sharp glass/razor pain in nipple while nursing) -- now we've got the gentian violet all over my nipples and Gretchen's mouth and my fingers are crossed that things start to feel better.

On Monday I'll be giving our doctor a call if I'm still in pain -- I'd be so upset if this was the thing to ruin our breastfeeding relationship. Right now the pain on my right side is so terrible I'm getting anxious about her even nursing on that side.

So, friends, please keep your fingers crossed and feel free to pass on any coping tips if you know of any!

Merci!

Wordless Wednesday (Nursing Love)

The First Birthday Party

Gretchen's very first birthday party was a smashing success! Family, friends, good eats, incredibly thoughtful presents & so much love.

She loved her first cake!!

After the commotion, she paused to read one of her new books...

... and settled in for some milk & a snuggle.

Thank you to everyone who made this day so wonderful. I know that we will look back and remember how meaningful and experience her first birthday was -- we feel so honoured to have family & friends who are so special, loving & ever present.

Thank you.

A Year Of Breastfeeding

As of today, we have been breastfeeding for ONE YEAR, with no signs of stopping! I have officially kept my resolution made last January.

Our nursing career got off to a rough start, but despite all of our issues, we stuck it out & I believe it's one of the most important things I've ever done in my life. My innate stubbornness paid off in the end & I'm thrilled!

Thank you to my best friend for supporting me 100% and helping me out when I was so frustrated. Thank you to my partner, who was at my side the entire time, who believed in me & guided me through my frustrations. And thank you to baby G, who never gave up & is now a bonafide milkaholic.

A year & beyond!

I'm really not sure what my stance used to be on 'extended nursing', but I really can't see us stopping any time in the near future.

Two years? Three year? I'm game. This breastaurant is open for business.