This has been such an eventful first year (as a mommy.)
I'm usually a softy when it comes to having an opinion about something, because I feel that my opinion could shift as my experiences change. And so it was with being a mom.
There are two things that I feel so strongly about now. Breastfeeding and cloth diapering! I was a breastfeed baby and knew that it was something that I absolutely wanted to do. I just never realized that my opinion would shift so strongly about it. I am passionate about nursing!
This year has been a real wake up call. Society thinks and projects upon new moms that bottle feeding is the way to go. Even in the 19th century if a women could not nurse, she would then hire a "wet nurse." Along with the industrial age so came the introduction of baby formula. (that's the historian in me) I understand the liberty that comes along with bottle feeding... You can leave your baby easily. I can only go as far away as the frozen breast milk supply in my fridge will permit. But I love the amazing bond that Selah and I have.... it goes beyond the bottle. Breast feeding is emotionally and physically good for both mommy and baby. One year in and I couldn't see myself weaning her. I love the bonding that takes place in those little intimate moments of feeding my baby.
Getting to where were are today took time. I experienced the uncomfortable glances of men and women even while covered up to nurse. I also changed my opinion about that. Hello, women have been doing it for centuries and it IS normal. Little boys wouldn't giggle if society wasn't so perverted. My breast were created to provide food for my baby. God made it that way, and we perverted it into something sexual. It took a little getting used to, but now I'm comfortable feeding my baby anywhere- people will have to get over it. Seeing other women live it out helped me to get to where I am today. Now, I'm so crazy that I pump and drive- ask me about that if you dare?
I'm thrilled that we are one year in and Selah is a 100% breast milk fed.
Now about cloth diapering. It's hard for me to comprehend how many disposable diapers go into landfills. A single baby will use 3,000 + diapers a year, (jaw dropping).
Cloth is totally better for the earth and the baby. In addition, disposable diapers contain harmful chemicals that can effect your baby. Did I mention that cloth diapers are super cute!? Did you know that CD babies potty train earlier than other babies? That's reason enough. Not to mention the amount of $$$ that you'll save by using cloth diapers. At one year old our baby wakes up in the morning and goes in her potty, after naps she does the same. In all honesty I haven't changed a poopy diaper in a few days. I call Selah my incredi-baby. Cause that is, uh, incredible! I'm sure she'll appreciate me sharing this when she's a teen. As a parent, shouldn't we want what is best for our little one even if it's not convenient?
Again, we received some resistance regarding cloth diapering. Some people couldn't understand why I would want to deal with my baby's poop. Uh, cause I have to and really we all should be. I'm happy with my choice and just the fact that my baby poops and pees in a toilet at 12 months is reason enough for me to do it again.
Bottom line, I'm thrilled to have gone down the path that I did. Being a mommy is awesome, especially when you have an incredi-baby like Selah! I want my baby to live in a world that goes back to basics; where babies eat from the source (mommy's breast.) And only if nursing is absolutely impossible will babies be supplemented. I want my Selah to grow up in a world that is cleaner, safer and reduces the introduction of chemicals to our purest, littlest, innocent babies.
Breastfeeding and Cloth Diapering - Don't knock it until you try it. They really rock!
