I love breastfeeding. I love the act, the benefits, the hormones released, the sleepy smiles and sweet cuddles. Everything about breastfeeding -even the tough parts- are completely wonderful and awesome to me. I want nothing more than for every mother to be able to experience what I’ve experienced. It has transformed my life in so many ways that I would have never imagined before having kids, and so, it has become my passion. I’m now a La Leche League Leader, and a Certified Lactation Educator-Counselor, and devote a very large amount of my time to help friends, relatives, and complete strangers have success in breastfeeding.
A friend has called me the Boob Whisperer, and I’m known by many as the boob expert. This thrills me! That so many women trust me to share their struggles, and respect me to try my suggestions, is such an honor. And like I said, I love breastfeeding.
But becoming the resident boob expert has had its downsides. Where music used to be my life, hardly anyone knows my tastes, my talents. Where fashion used to be something I actually followed, I’ve traded in fancy clothes for jeans and t-shirts (of course I’m not the only mom to have done that, though), and I don’t really have a style. Where I used to have diverse friendships, most of my current conversations revolve around boobs.
It’s what I wanted, and yet I find myself struggling with it. I’ve lost myself and have become a boob. Or two.
Many moms struggle with their identities after having kids. The time just isn’t there anymore to devote to oneself, and besides, who notices Mom when there are cute kids with her? This doesn’t mean that moms should completely let go, though. It’s important to still get pampered, to have an outfit that makes you feel just fantastic, and to make sure you talk about YOU sometimes. This doesn’t mean that you become selfish, or spend more time on yourself than your kids… but that occasional Saturday afternoon shopping trip or Tuesday morning coffee date can revitalize you, and remind you that there is a woman in there under all the mom.
While it’s fantastic to be the resident boob expert, I’m trying to make sure I focus on myself every once in a while… I don’t want to lose who I am, or get tired of the cause because it’s all I do. Being the boob expert is going to continue on, full speed ahead, and the thought of all the women I’m going to reach and help truly does fuel me.
If you find yourself getting lost in your cause or your children, try taking a day off to rediscover who you are at this point in your life. It can be very fulfilling. Don’t be left just feeling like a boob.
Tags: baby, breastfeeding, mom
I feel the same passion as you about breastfeeding. I love this post as if you took the words right out of my mouth. Thank you!