1203. The number of days since I began breastfeeding. I have physically breastfeed every single one of those 1203 days. Not one day has gone by that I haven’t breastfed.
768. The approximate number of lactation smoothies I have consumed.
601. The approximate number of gallons of water I have drank during those 1203 days because I’m always thirsty. SO. FREAKING. THIRSTY.
524. The approximate number of lactation energy bites I have consumed.
306.5. The number of ounces of breastmilk I have donated to nourish another life.
272. The number of days that I have tandem nursed both of my daughters.
42. The number of days (6 weeks) that I set as a goal when I first started breastfeeding.
25. The approximate number of large jars of Nutella I have consumed because “I’m hungry and need more calories because I’m nursing”.
3. The number of times I tried to use a cover before saying screw this because it only complicated things more.
0. The number of fucks I give about whether you think I should quit, give up, or stop always talking about breastfeeding.
I don’t breastfeed for you.
I don’t even breastfeed for myself. Okay, technically that’s somewhat of a lie. I do breastfeed because it lowers my risk of cancer. It lowers my risk of heart disease. It lowers my risk of other health conditions. But I don’t breastfeed because I’m in love with it. It’s damn hard. Physically nourishing another human body is hard. It’s joyful and rewarding and creates an incredible bond, but it’s not easy by any means.
I don’t breastfeed for you.
Your thoughts and opinions are the last thing that cross my mind when my child is crying out in hungry or crying for comfort. Your validation is not needed. Your side glares and thoughts that what I’m doing is “gross” or “offense” don’t even cross my mind. And for the sake of the timid mother that is scared, I wish you would tell me to cover up, to use a restroom, to sit and take time to pump and prep bottles for my child to eat in a public setting.
I don’t breastfeed for you.
I breastfeed because my children need nourishment that my body designs perfectly for them. I breastfeed because my children need comfort in the most natural way intended. I breastfeed because my body produces the perfect antibodies to ensure my children don’t get sick very often. I breastfeed because it’s free. I breastfeed because other children depend on my milk to thrive in life. I breastfeed because humanity would have never survived without it. I breastfeed most importantly because they, my two beautiful, thriving, growing, smart, kind girls trust me to provide for them in the most natural and basic way possible.
And I damn sure don’t care about your opinion because…
While, I don’t think I’m better than you, I don’t breastfeed for you.
We're Parents is a unique mom and dad natural parenting blog focusing on topics such as breastfeeding, babywearing, and car seat safety. You'll also find Delicious recipes, inspired travel recommendations, and more as you journey with us through parenting. 
Amy says
March 11, 2016 at 6:49 pmI love this post! I breastfed my first for 2 years and now my 22 month old. I feel pressure to stop by the hubs and family (as well as strangers (eye roll)). I just don’t feel the need to stop something that comforts my son, helps him fall asleep and creates a closeness with his mom everyday (a couple times a day). I don’t feel the need to tell other parents to stop doing what they’re doing for their children so I’m not sure why so many people have an opinion on how long I breastfeed my healthy, well-adjusted, smart son ???
Larisha says
March 20, 2016 at 8:24 pmYes yes yes! You have to do what’s best for you and your children alone. It’s hard not having support, but your children will be so grateful for it.