Can’t make it to a Virtual Big Latch On event?
When I thought back to my experience of feeding my first born I largely considered it in practical terms; managing timings, making sure the baby fed enough during the day, how I would sit in the rocker for hours, when and how I weaned to solid food, and what that final weaning and dropping the last pre-bedtime nurse had been like. I had forgotten so much else.
How the universal milk-drunk expression is individual to your child. The way they tip their head back, set their jaw and smack their lips together is at once instantly recognisable but totally unique.
I had forgotton the creased marks around the mouth that comes from a good latch and some frantic nursing. The way they glance at you sideways from the breast, eventually smiling at you as if you are sharing a secret.
There’s the prickly sensation, the zing, from your let down. The leaky breasts and the sweet smell that lingers on your damp bra & tshirt and the head dive from shoulder to chest to let you know they’re hungry.
In short, I had forgotten just how beautiful and calming and bonding breastfeeding can be. At times it’s a valid excuse to sit quietly in a darkened room, concentrating solely on this wondrous life you have created.
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