Exclusive Pumping a Conclusion

**I normally show y'all a craft of some type on Thursdays, but for this month I'd like to share my breastfeeding experience in hopes that I might help someone else out there**

***ALSO, please note that I am not in any way trying to put down those who formula feed.  Every mother must do what is best for her and her baby.  I know there are many reasons for why each mother chooses how and for how long she does her chosen method.  This is a place to support each other and help each other, thank you***

Let me start out this week by saying, "Thank You"!

I have had some wonderful emails from readers who are also exclusive pumpers or who are interested in pumping.

When I had Bitsy I felt so alone with my decision to be an exclusive pumper.

I had searched the internet and I had found some information regarding exclusive pumping, but not enough to remove that feeling of singularity.

I felt weird when people asked if Bitsy was breastfed, I always responded with yes and occasionally elaborated to explain that it was not a traditional breastfeeding experience.

My ultimate goal was to provide for my daughter and I felt a sense of accomplishment in doing so by whatever means were necessary.

I think one of my favorite quotes, and I can't remember where I read it, from an exclusively pumping mom when she was asked if she breastfed was, "Yes, but we prefer bottle instead of fresh from the tap".

My soul purpose in writing this series was so that I might help just one person.

That I might assure another woman that she isn't alone.

That I might provide information that I couldn't find.

And also so that I wouldn't forget everything I had done, should I need to continue with exclusive pumping when Baby #2 is in the picture.

I will tell you that my biggest reason for weaning is because we want to give Bitsy a sibling.

Heck, we want to give her 2 siblings over the next couple years, all of them close in age.

I wanted to give my body a few cycles before I started on my pregnancy journey again.

Exactly one week after I had completely stopped pumping my cycle started again.

Same way it had been prior to having a baby.

Please don't hate me, but I don't suffer cramps, bloating, or mood swings.

I know that not everyone will get their cycle back as quickly, I also know that some women get their cycles back without stopping breastfeeding and some continue to breastfeed while pregnant!

It's amazing what our bodies are capable of.

Have you ever took a moment to think about that?

Recently, while watching one of my favorite stand up comedians I heard him say this:

“Women are amazing, and I mean that in a very pandering way.
But women are, really! A woman can grow a baby inside their body. And then somehow, a woman can deliver a baby through their body. And then by some miracle, a woman can feed a baby with their body! And when you think of the male contribution to life…it’s kind of embarrassing, really. The guy’s always like, ‘Yeah, well, I helped too! For, like, five seconds. Doing the one thing I think about 24 hours a day.’”

—	Jim Gaffigan (Mr. Universe)

No matter how your breastfeeding experience goes I pray that you have a wonderful support system.

In the event that breastfeeding is a breeze for you, Congratulations!

This information may still be helpful for you though, in the event that your little one goes through a phase where he/she looses interest in feedings.

Sometimes, pumping can be something you do in between feedings just to produce extra for your freezer stockpile or just to increase your supply if you think your little one isn't getting enough.

Whatever, your reason for choosing to pump, I hope that it is a pleasant one.

I hope that I have provided an environment here where you feel welcome, well informed, and unafraid to ask questions.

Please know that no matter when you read this post, today, a week from, now or a decade from now...I will always be open to answering questions or just offering support.

Mom's need to learn to do that.

We need to learn that there are different parenting styles and that no one way is the best.

If we expect everyone to understand that kids are different from each other, than we must be willing to extend that understanding onto parenting as well.

If you don't have children yet, but are expecting or planning, here is my little bit of advice for you:

"Everyone has an opinion.  You don't have to agree with any of them.  I recommend you listen to all they have to offer though.  File it away, because you never know when you may think you've tried everything your know and your at your wits end, all of a sudden you'll remember something someone once told you and it might just be the one thing that worked.  It also might be the worst idea, but at least you had options"

I hope you have a Blessed Thursday!