breastfeeding journey pt. 3 we are four months into this journey and we have both made so much progress! the first time I nursed in public I felt so relieved. I wasn’t embarrassed that my body was publicly keeping my baby alive and helping him grow. I wasn’t embarrassed that I needed to readjust and re-latch Jack a few times. I wasn’t afraid of someone making a rude comment because I had a response already prepared in my mind. most importantly, I wasn’t afraid to be out with Jack and my family for more than one cycle. moms, you know exactly what I mean when I say one cycle. one whole wake window with nursing and a nap. it felt so liberating to be able to feed Jack without using my nursing pillow, a bunch of nursing pads, gobs of nipple butter, and without tears. now, we are able to go with the flow and not be dictated by a schedule of needing to return home for feeding. we started with a nursing when hanging with a close friend in my backyard, then at mom group in the park, then on a patio at a restaurant far away from other people, then in front of a few more friends, then in a bridal suite on a friends wedding day, so it goes on. I was never embarrassed by the act of nursing, it’s really incredible that my body not only built him, but continues to sustain life for him. I was embarrassed because I felt like I wasn’t good at it — it was painful and it took a long time. it was messy and it was frustrating and it was really hard. I have worked to keep going on this journey because for me, I wanted to love breastfeeding. and i’m so happy to say that now I do. I remember seeing really tasteful photos of women breast-feeding and thinking wow, why can’t I be like that. why do I need all these supports of pillows? will I ever be able to nurse him and use my hands to do something at the same time? how many times do I need to see a lactation consultant? when will I not be in pain? it took us a really long time, but I am so proud of how far we’ve come 🤍