From August 1 to 7, it's World Breastfeeding Week and this is my 14th month with Agathe, but my 27th month of breastfeeding in my life.
I have breastfed in public, I have breastfed in the back of my tank, I have breastfed standing up, I have breastfed sleeping, I have breastfed working, I have breastfed on a boat, I have breastfed at shows, I have breastfed changing a diaper, I've breastfed while managing other babies, I've breastfed while having a drink, I've breastfed after having a drink, I've breastfed sitting on the floor, I've breastfed while making toast, I've breastfed too early too many mornings and too late too many nights.
J’ai eu des mastites, j’ai donné mon lait à Hema-Quebec pour les prématurés, j’ai eu des gerçures, trop de montées de lait en public et des engorgements. J’ai eu 3 bébés intolérants au lait de vache, 3 bébés colliques, 3 bébés reflux.
I cried during 20% of my breastfeeding. I was happy for the other 80%.
I watched my girls grow up too fast and my arms got tired of holding them at my breast.
But the only thing I remember from all this is that I could have written this text in replacing the word breastfeeding with the word bottle.
That no matter what you give your baby, the result is the same. Stop judging yourself, moms. Stop comparing yourselves. A breast or a bottle, the important thing is to feed your baby the way that works for you. I'm glad I've had such beautiful breastfeeds and they are moments that will live on forever.
Happy breastfeeding week to all of you who are doing this wonderful gift of self. 💪🏻
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Special thanks to the author of this text, Julie Rochette, for allowing us to share her words on our platforms.