Breastfeeding

I feel compelled to write a little about breastfeeding since it is such a major part of my life. Some of the people in my life do not support my breastfeeding Ethan and want me to quit. I think it is because they believe that it ties him to me too much (and they can't be with him for extended periods of time or give him a bottle, etc). Well, I definitely don't mind being tied to Ethan. I have waited years for him and he is my son. I posted a thread about this with my June mommie's group on Babycenter and I am so surprised that so many other women do not have the support from family about breastfeeding. I do want to add that Oswald fully supports breastfeeding. In fact, he would like for me to continue breastfeeding Ethan until he weans himself. Of course, he doesn't mind if I wanted to stop at anytime. I also would like to add that I support formula feeding. I had to supplement Ethan with formula for the first few weeks of his life and several of my friends formula-feed. Also, I was fed with formula and nothing is wrong with me (that formula caused, anyway!).
I love breastfeeding. At first I thought I couldn't do it. Every day I thought may be my last and I would try to hold out for just "one more week". I don't know exactly when I got the full hang of it. Probably around 6 or 8 weeks. But Ethan and I are really rockin' and rollin' now. There are several reasons that I love it. 1. It is cheap and formula is kind of pricey. 2. It is easy. When Ethan was waking at night to be fed, I didn't have to trek down to the kitchen to make him a bottle. The first few weeks that I had to feed Ethan a bottle with formula was a pain in the arse. 3. It has helped me lose weight. 4. I love watching Ethan while he nurses. 5. I love breastfeeding in the side-lying position. Ethan and I cuddle up together and it is so comforting and relaxing. 6. It is the best nourishment for baby! Formula makers have tried to duplicate breastmilk and they cannot do it 100%. 7. It reduces the risk of breast cancer. I could probably go on, but those are my main reasons.
Now, there are things I don't like about it as well. I do feel like it is somewhat of a sacrifice that I am making to feed him this way. However, I believe that he is 110% worth it. Some things I hate about breastfeeding: 1. Engorgement. 2. It stinks to be out in public or with friends or family and have to "excuse myself" to feed him. It would also be nice if family could help feed him. 3. I hate pumping and that is why Ethan doesn't get a bottle more often. Pumping hurts and takes a lot of time. 4. The size of my boobs. 5. And leaky boobs. I guess that about sums it up.
The reasons I love it far outweigh the reasons I don't like it. Now that Ethan and I have the hang of it, I don't want to stop. In fact much to certain people's dismay, I would like to breastfeed him as long as possible. Within reason of course - I don't really want a toddler pulling up my shirt because he is thirsty.
So, on the Babycenter thread I posted about getting support for breastfeeding, here is what one June Mommy suggested I tell everyone who wants me to wean Ethan:
AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends breastfeeding AT LEAST one year.
WHO (World Health Organization) recommends breastfeeding AT LEAST two years.
The bible mentions nurslings and seems to show that "a nursling" was up to 5 yrs old. (Moses)
Children need milk. Just because they are better able to TOLERATE cow milk at 1 yr doesn't require them to be switched off human milk made for HUMANS, not calves.
"Sorry, I don't wish to compromise my child's health just to satisfy your desire to feed him. If you must, you may come over and hold my boob while he eats."
Hahaha!! I know he will be weaned sometime soon and giving him bottles or the sippy cup will be so much easier, but I just thought that was kind of funny.