Liquid Gold

I just read my friend Jakel's blog about her experience/adventure with breastfeeding and so now I have to write about mine!
I have the most amazing mom ever! She has 6 kids, had them all natural, and breastfed all of us. I honestly never even thought about doing anything BUT breastfeed. My mom gave me books to read and gave me tips the whole time I was pregnant which was a total lifesaver! Before I was pregnant and started talking to my mom about breastfeeding I didnt really know all the aspects of it. I really didnt truly "know" until I became a nursing mother. My first visit with my midwife she told me that I had inverted nipples. So my nipples dont stick out... they are pretty much flat. She said that this may complicate breastfeeding for me. I thought oh just try and tell me I cant breastfeed... I WILL breastfeed! So after reading breastfeeding books and learning positions, I was ready. Jex was born and latched on right away. It was great to be able to feel that connection with him since he had grown and lived off of me (inside the belly) now he was going to grow and live off of me outside the belly. I knew that I was providing him "liquid gold" there is not even one thing that is better for babies. There is not one downside to breastfeeding. It is truly amazing. Well even though little Jex latched on good right away that didnt last. Each time I fed him it took me at least 45 minutes to get him to latch on. I was crying, he was crying and Josh was being the amazing husband/father that he is and just encouraging me. The best thing I ever did for myself was never give Jex a bottle. I refused. I was going to breastfeed this little baby no matter what. My nipples hurt, I had blisters but nothing would stop me. I was lucky enough to be able to go part time at my job and bring Jex in with me. I would breastfeed him in the back room. Our first day back at work Jex was 4 days old. Jex preferred one boob more than the other. One of my nipples is more flat/inverted than the other and he would have preferred not to nurse off that side at all. I had to get him to latch on that side first. I was blessed with PLENTY of milk. He would usually eat for 20-30 minutes per side. So by the time he was done eating after 45 minutes to get latched on then 20-30 minutes eating per side about an hour and half has gone by. And in only a short hour and half later we would start it all again. I wouldnt trade that time for anything. It wasnt always like that. by 4 weeks he was latching on no problem. By 6 weeks the pain was gone. It then became just that much more enjoyable. I never had to think about packing bottles or worrying about getting water warm wherever I was to mix with formula. I had the best milk at the perfect temperature ready whenever my little guy needing. I was blessed with such a great support system. My mom was a huge help and so was Josh. He even sat up with me at night while I got frusterated and I am sure he felt helpless but he knew how important it was to me and for Jex. I exclusively breastfeed for 6 months. Then I started him on rice cereal a few times a week after I would breastfeed. Then slowly introduced other foods. He started weening himself at 11 months. So when he was 11 months I was pretty much nursing morning and night and thats it. By the time he turned 1 it was just at night. Jex was ready to be done but I wasnt. I lasted 2 more weeks after he turned 1, then he was done. I was sad to let him go. I wanted that closeness with him forever. What a huge bond! I feel so happy and proud of my decision and providing my child with the absolute best nutrition! To every mother out there wanting to breastfeed stick with it! You wont regret your hard work!