“Listen To Yourself, Your Body And Your Baby,” Carmen’s Reflections On Breastfeeding Her Two Girls

​Today’s feature is Carmen, a mother of two girls ages 6 and 4. 

Carmen. Photo courtesy of Carmen

What are your breastfeeding goals? 
I’m all done, but I breastfed until 1yr (1st baby) and 10mo with (2nd baby) 
 
What's your fondest memory of breastfeeding? 
The closeness with my babies-feeling connected, feeling a sense of love and pride to be able to nourish them. 
 
Who has been your biggest supporter on your breastfeeding journey? 
I was my own cheerleader in a way....not many ppl in my family or friends had done it.  
 
What advice would you give to new breastfeeding families? 
Give yourself time. Allow your baby to show you what they need. We feel uncertainty, pressure and a mix of emotions the first time. Try to reduce outside noise and listen to yourself, your body and your baby. 
 
Is there anything else you'd like to share with breastfeeding families? 
There’s no right or wrong amount of time to breastfeed your baby. Give yourself time to learn about it, try it out and go from there (for me, it took a few weeks or more to learn and feel comfortable. I would have breastfed longer than a year if I could go back. There are lots of resources now, compared to 6 years ago. Build a tribe for connection and support!)

This series is sponsored by ​DommiesBlessed​. In celebration of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we are collecting stories from expecting families hoping to breastfeed, those who are currently breastfeeding, or families who have breastfed in the past. If you or someone you know would like to contribute,​ ​click here, we’d love to have you​.