The Breatfeeding Journey - meeting the two year goal.

Contains breastfeeding photos, you've been warned.


With my son turning two. This also means that I've reached the two year goal.


When I first looked into the idea of breastfeeding, it was something I wanted to try. Something that I had not witnessed a lot of family members trying. I first wanted to do it "as long as I could manage". When I started I thought it would be really great to make it to 6 months. And then I was pushing myself to make it to a year, despite the fact I became pregnant with our daughter. After I finished the year, and was pregnant, I came to terms that there was always a possibility that he would wean himself because of it. But he continued. And here we are at the two year mark.


During our breastfeeding journey we have faced milk coming in slow (and being offered nipple shields), growth spurt after growth spurt, teeth coming in (he has a mouth FULL of teeth now), which also meant plenty of times being bitten, sickness, pregnancy, tandeming, mastitis, and every other issue we faced. I had some of those nights where I would just "want" to quit, it has had some HARD times I'll admit. Simply slipping a breast into your infant's mouth is easy, yes. But the journey in whole, is hard. It's time consuming. It's something you have to work on and establish. It's something that your life will revolve around. It is something that becomes more than a food source, at least for me it has. It has become so very important to me. It is important to me to breastfeed our daughter, as we have him. I am amazed I've made it this long. 


I would not have been able to do it without the support of my husband. When I had those hard times and questioned the decision, he would reassure me and encourage me. Also my friends from the Crunchy Thread on Gaia have also given me such amazing support. If I had not run into Kim, Brooke, and then Jess, probably the ones that impressed me the most, I don't know who would've given me that kind of support that encouraged me to continue on as long as I could. Thank you to all of my friends that have been so positive. Thank you to my family that has understood this aspect of my life, and have respected it. To everyone that has ever been negative or bullied me, thank you anyways. I am not ashamed of my breastfeeding. I have and will do it wherever and whenever I am. I will continue giving my child this nourishment. I know my legal rights. I know I'm not doing anything wrong, disgraceful, disgusting, or anything of that kind of nature. I have been able to take criticism on this and not let it bother me. 


Do not take this, or any other post on breastfeeding, as me shoving my opinion down anyone's throat. And I do not have a "holier than thou" attitude. I do not care if you go with breastfeeding or formula. I care that your child is receiving some kind of nourishment. But this is what was best for me, and my children. It was the wisest decision I could make. My journey will probably not be the same as every other lactating mother. I will educate others on the benefits as long as they ask me. I will share my experiences with anyone who would like to hear it. If you want my help, you can have it. But if you don't, that's fine too. But understand, I won't belittle you if you chose formula over the breast. That's your choice. I do not know your circumstances. 

I post these photos. These are photos I, myself, have created. I do not believe them to be inappropriate at all. If you do not want to see them, I suggest you leave this post. 
Big and bold enough for you?

 Moments so sweet.

 Portraits by me, a forever favorite.

Now. Look at those gorgeous hazel eyes.

I'm very glad I made it to this mark, despite how much work it has been. I'm actually proud of this achievement. And I'm glad I was able to, for my child.


- Rayne, a lactating momma.