In honor of World Breastfeeding Week I sat down with Jamie, a hard-working, bad ass mom to discuss her journey breastfeeding Aiden. Aiden is one of the most cuddliest little guys I have ever met, and I raised 3 boys myself. Jamie tells me that at the age of twenty-two, not married, still working on just her associates degree, she found herself, you guessed it PREGNANT!
She tells me she was terrified. Scared of failure and crippled by the thought of being judged, Jamie was overwhelmed with fact that she was going to be "That Girl". The girl who had a child out of wedlock. The girl who was in over her head, the girl whose life was over.
Little did she know at the time, her life was just beginning. Jamie also shares with me, that her journey into motherhood has been far from error free, just as the rest of us, she made lots of mistakes.
Now nearly 14 months postpartum, motherhood has Jamie feeling empowered, uplifted, and fulfilled.
Jamie says, "Living up to societies expectations of what a woman and/or mother should look like is no longer of concern to me. I work full time, and I'm pursuing a degree full-time for electrical engineering and yes, I AM raising my son."
Jamie's son, Aiden was exclusively breastfed until introducing solids just before he celebrated his first birthday.
JBC- Were you breastfed as a baby?
Jamie- Nope. Never even witnessed the act of breastfeeding
JBC- Was there anyone who encouraged or discouraged you to breastfeed?
Jamie- My cousin Crystal was the foundation of my support system. She originally brought the question to my attention as to whether or not I was going to breastfeed. I hadn't even thought about it. There hasn't been anyone to discourage my breastfeeding directly, but I have had my fair share of "butters". (Butters is a term used for people who say, "I support you BUT." If you are truly supportive of a breastfeeding mom there are no buts!)
JBC- In the first 2 weeks what was breastfeeding like?
Jamie- Painful, dreadful, but rewarding
JBC- Has anyone given you a hard time about breastfeeding your baby?
Jamie- Yes, but never really to my face. I wouldn't pay it any attention either way
JBC- Have you ever donated milk? If so, why did you donate?
Jamie- I have, to a local mom in need. I had more than enough milk to share and was happy to supply another mama with the liquid gold for her little angel.
JBC- How long do you think you'll breastfeed for?
Jamie- The plan currently is to let my son self wean.
JBC- What is your favorite thing about breastfeeding?
Jamie- The bonding experience for sure. It's irreplaceable.
JBC- Is there anything else you'd like to share with other women reading this?
Jamie- I am anti-bully and Pro MOMS! I respect each and every mother in her own personal choice of parenting and expect the same in return. It is time for us as women and mothers to step out of the age of finger-pointing and ridicule and step into the dawn of empowering and supporting one another!
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