For the unintiated, that means breastfeeding. I guess I wanted to update on this since we've been at it about four months so far and it's one of those areas of motherhood that inspires a lot of anxiety. So, here's my experience.

Before W came along, I had heard a lot of people say how hard bfing was, or that their milk didn't come in, etc. Just like in birth and pretty much everything else, everyone has their own experience so I am not going to try and speak for all womankind. But for us, it has been great. Our babe just knew how to do it, so I realize I was very blessed in that respect. Ever since the first day in the hospital, the nurses said how great he was eating — even before my milk came in and "eating" was really not the right word! He was really going for it, anyway.

So yes, before I had W, I had heard how hard things could be, so I had sort of psyched myself out. I didn't even think too much about buying a pump, because I thought it would be a waste in case things didn't work out. Instead, I stocked up on survival gear: lanolin, non-lanolin, special tea for milk, cool packs, warm packs... you name it! The doula told me "Of course you'll be able to breastfeed!" And she was right.

Anyway, that's how I ended up without a pump!! I had seen a Medela Pump In Style, and even scanned it into the registry, at a department store here. But, it was nearly TWICE the price of what it costs in the U.S. So, needless to say, no one bought it for us and we certainly weren't going to pay for it. About two weeks into new mommyhood, I bought a manual pump and ordered the PIS to my dad's house, for him to bring when he came to visit.

I started pumping right away, again, having heard about the importance of stocking up before going back to work. My milk is taking over the freezer and I feel very, very good about the stockpile! (I actually think I might have too much, but I need to do the math before I donate any of it.)

Probably the toughest part about breastfeeding for me has been managing it in public. And tough here is a relative term, because it's not really tough — maybe just "tricky." I have pretty much done it everywhere now, from church to Mexico's famous Anthopology Museum to the mall to really fancy restaurants. So I guess I am semi-pro now.

I don't really have any statistics or anything, but it seems like breastfeeding is not huge among certain segments of society. I think poor people do it because they really don't have any other choice, but formula seems extremely popular among people of means. (Again, this is purely anecdotal — I could be way off here.) I can count the number of times I have seen women breastfeeding in public on one hand. Actually, on three fingers. And I have never, ever seen anyone bfing in public without being covered.  

Formula seems to be the default option — at least in my case, people have assumed I formula feed until I indicate otherwise. There's not that "breast is best" cheerleading you encounter in the U.S. The most cheerleading I have received has been from people of more humble segments of society. Sometimes they seem really surprised that I'm doing it! The other day I was leaving a friend's office with W and her office cleaning lady helped me out with the stroller. W started fussing and she asked me very politely, "Do you have some formula back in the car?" I told her I didn't give him formula, I breastfed, and she was positively glowing with approval.

Anyway, I am happy because I know I am giving W the best, and he is certainly not complaining. Breastfeeding has been a great experience overall. It's so easy and convenient, healthy for both of us, and free (aside from the pump and the pads and all that stuff.) Also painless! At the beginning it was never worse than a bit uncomfortable. I think I helped that situation by following my doula's advice since mid-pregnancy to not use any soap or lotion on the operative areas — that helped them to toughen up a bit. The non-lanolin butter was great for the first few days, and the tea helped me bump up my supply when I started pumping.

I plan to keep it up as long as possible, not just for him but for me, too! It will be nice to have my boobs back someday, but for right now I'm enjoying the simplicity... and the fat-burning is a pretty amazing plus!!