~ world breastfeeding week ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

August 1 through August 7 is 

World Breastfeeding Week

~ helping the new momma settle in to nurse 1 week old lela ~

Breastfeeding made me feel more capable as a new mother.

After the initial learning curve, it was easy and peaceful.

My husband was instrumental in my success.

~ lela, 2 months, nursing in the pouch sling ~

Nursing helps to soothe bumps and bruises 

in a way that a bandage cannot.

And nursing helped to transition a toddler 

into becoming a big sister.......

......of twins.

~ lela, 22 months, nurses during my birthing time to strengthen labor ~

For a momma of a not-quite 2 year old and newborn twins,

I don't know how I could have survived

without being able to nurse my three daughters.

It also helped me to bond with my twins,

something that especially mothers-of-multiples find challenging.

~ 10 day old liv and laurel cuddle after breastfeeding ~

Nursing helped Lela through the three-year old tantrums

and one severe case of gastroenteritis.  

~ 1 year old liv nurses in a ring sling ~

And nursing continues to offer Laurel and Olivia 

a peaceful, familiar time with Momma.

~ liv, age 3 ~

Our time breastfeeding is drawing to a close

but it has been a beautiful journey 

with my daughters.

~ carrie ~