four month goal reached

Let's talk about the great success that has finally happened for my son and me.  As you know, our son was born at 36 weeks gestation.  He spent about 8 days in the NICU, and I began the laborious process of pumping with a breast pump.  I wanted to give him the very best start in life and considering even the formula companies state "breastmilk is best," I decided to make that sacrifice.  My goal all along was to get him to nurse, and after the emotional rollercoaster of wondering if it would EVER happen, I began joking about the possibility.  I learned to appreciate that I could "see" how much L was getting.  I could see 3 oz or 4 oz and could try to push more in the evening to help shape a better sleeping pattern.  (I will say not for sure now if that has anything to do with sleep). 

I went to a lactation consultant at Centennial Hospital and let me say that I found their services to be the most helpful in lactation.  They had me hooked up with a rental hospital Symphony pump which I rented for 2 months.  I then purchased a Medela Freestyle.  Life did improve with the Freestyle.

I am happy to announce today at four months of age that L is nursing exclusively except for the occasional bottle.  Considering I have about 50 bags of 8 oz each breastmilk frozen, I don't think I have to worry about running out anytime soon. 

Earlier on, my goal was to pump for six months tops.  I always said that if he ever latched on and actually could nurse, I would go a year.  I'm a third of the way to a year.  Was it really that long ago?  Could I really sacrifice another 8 months?  The downside for me is running.  It's difficult running right now...  I'm way too top heavy and the Enell running bra (a.k.a. bulletproof vest) isn't fun.  Perhaps it'll get easier adjusting to him nursing and stop pumping.  Right now, I'm making about 1 1/2 day of milk per day.  WAY too much.

So far I'm loving motherhood.  I love my life.  I love my husband and L.  He's been the best baby, so entertaining, and so much love that I cannot imagine loving anyone more than my husband and son.  Family is really where my heart resides...