Comments on: Dear Atticus, on having choices

By: HannahBG

HannahBG — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:26:24 +0000

Way to go, Kari! I’m just subbing occasionally for a friend now that I have our little guy, but pumping on even just those days is tough. I love breastfeeding, and I do truly believe that it is the best for my baby. Good job sticking it through, and a big “Hurray!” for supportive, encouraging husbands!

By: misty

misty — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:29:09 +0000

yes, i know, sort of. i never pumped but i remember in my haze how reduced to cow i felt and how it made me bitter that i was leashed to the couch and i struggled. w/ my 3rd it was damaging my relationship w/ him and i chose to just use formula. the cost was high but the emotional cost was lower (i was still sad, still dared to use words like failure, argh). w/ this 4th babe, we’ve breastfed just fine and my emotional toll is different b/cs it’s the medicine that’s made me sane and normal and there is the lingering question of is it safe for him… but i choose to trust and just enjoy this time (our last) b/cs it’s a treasure.
and yes, that’s a ton of milk!!!!!

By: imperfect prose

imperfect prose — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:35:41 +0000

oh my goodness that’s a lot of milk! i’m so proud of you friend. i find pumping so hard. good on you… atticus is one blessed little boy.

By: brian

brian — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:44:31 +0000

oh wow that is a lot…my wife tried and it was just too painful…props to you and love the three things you tell him you are proud of..that is awesome

By: happygirl

happygirl — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:50:41 +0000

I love the idea of writing to your child. I think this is a treasure. Good luck breastfeeding. I failed, but my son survived. This was a fun read.

By: Bethany

Bethany — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:40:46 +0000

You are a thoughtful and strong mom & you are doing a GREAT job. I am really loving that you’re writing these letters again.

By: Kari

Kari — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:05:40 +0000

Wellllllll. I am not comfortable reducing it to a monetary decision. The physical and emotional toll it took on me had a very real cost. There were a few months when I was pumping five times a day and nursing five times a day. I did not feel human. I can’t blame anyone who chooses differently. I don’t know if I could do it again.

By: dena

dena — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:24:17 +0000

…you know I love this post, right?
signed, your resident lactivist.

You are a rock star.

(Think of how much cheaper a pump was than buying a year’s worth of formula. yowza.)

By: kristen

kristen — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:27:02 +0000

Pumping is not for wimps (not sure I could do it.) That is a serious stash! I have a friend who pumped a lot and would still get let down feelings years later from hearing, and it reminded her of how freakin’ awesome she was and how she was really truly trying to be the best mom she could be. I hope you remember, too.

By: melissa

melissa — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:51:06 +0000

i wrote a letter today…thanks for the encouragement to tell them our stories.