For years I have been amazed when I talked to people who told  me they left
their baby overnight with Grandma and Grandpa when the baby was only a few
weeks old.  I just couldn't imagine it.  I was talking to a friend of mine
who delivered her first baby at 35 weeks and because of one reason or
another was unable to breastfeed, she did pump for about 3 months.  She had
her 2nd baby this Fall at a very Baby-Friendly hospital (I really think
they are baby friendly) at 33 weeks and has been breastfeeding successfully
ever since.  I think the baby is about 8-9 months old now.  Anyway I asked
her if she thought breastfeeding was easier, because she had done it both
ways.  She sheepishly looked at me and said that she didn't really think
so.  I asked her what she meant, and she said that she had to do everything
with this baby, with the first anyone could feed the baby and it didn't
really matter.  I just smiled and said "But if YOU have to take care of the
baby and feed it, which is easier?"  She laughed and said "Breastfeeding is
much easier."  I just think it's very sad that when people today, and
probably for years, have children, alot of people don't realize the huge
job they are undertaking.  I know in my 20's when I had my first kids I
didn't realize it either.  I didn't realize how important "I" was to them.
I can envision the huge impact that breastfeeding would have on families
from all income levels, just in the fact that it would make mothers be with
their children.  My son had spent the night away from his parents about 3-4
times in his 3 years, because "I felt" he needed ME.  My girlfriend also
mentioned wishing she could spend the night away with her husband, I
mentioned that it wouldn't be that hard, she has a pump and a very willing
grandma.  But she got that "but she needs me" look on her face.  I wish I
saw more of those looks on moms faces.  With my 2nd child I had to return
to college, I had no pump and within 2 weeks she wasn't nursing at all.
After she weaned I found it much easier to spend the long hours at the
library because she didn't "NEED" me anymore, anyone with a bottle would
do.  To this day (she turns 17 next week) I feel badly about how much I
missed out on with her.  Just musing   Barb

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