Shawna's Breastfeeding Story
My name is Shawna. I was 21 years old when I had my son Christopher (now 6). I tried to nurse my son for two weeks faithfully. He never got a bottle in that time. Unfortunately he had a stomach disorder, and threw up everything that he ate, and to top it off, I ended up with an infection from the cracks and blisters on my breasts. When Chris would nurse, this would cause me to bleed. Afterwards, he would throw up the blood, along with the milk... After that, I could not take it anymore, and quit nursing. I was really upset with this, because to me nursing was the very best way to feed and nourish my baby.
When I had my second child, Judi, I was scared that I wouldn't be able to nurse her either. But, I told myself I would at least try for two weeks. Soon that two weeks became a month, to six months, to nine months. I felt so proud that I was able to nurse my baby for so long. Just recently I stopped nursing my 18 month old daughter, Ellie. I know in my heart that I did the best I possible could for my babies, and it makes me proud that I was able to give my babies the nutrition they need. I still regret not trying a little harder with my son, but I know emotionally I wasn't ready for it.
Thanks for letting me tell my story
Shawna
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