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Nursing my child through a medical condition – Shara’s story

Posted on October 6, 2009
Filed under: Baby medical condition, Baby surgery

My son was born ten years ago with numerous medical complications to his right eye. The eye had to be removed ten days following his first birthday. It was certainly not easy making the commitment to nurse that year. A number of times I wanted to give up. With the pain he was in, he wanted to nurse every hour or so for those first 12 months. I was exhausted and mentally drained. He barely slept much because the pain from his eye caused severe headaches, etc. The nursing and bonding gave him comfort and each time I discussed it with the doctor he said, “Don’t give up yet! He needs you right now. This is all he has, making him feel safe and comforted!” So I pushed through – for 16 months. At that point, my son walked over the fridge and hit the door and yelled out “Milk!” I figured – if he could outright ask for milk, it was time to stop nursing :-) I have NEVER regretted pushing through that year. Nursing my son before and after all 3 surgeries, offering him that closeness and bonding…not to mention the nutrients. Since then I have nursed two more children.

Filed under: Baby medical condition, Baby surgery

Comments

One Response to “Nursing my child through a medical condition – Shara’s story”

Charndra from Part Time EC on October 9th, 2009 12:20 pm

Hi Shara,
that is a wonderful gift you gave your son. I’m sure it really helped him to have you as his safe comforting place when his earliest days had some pain.

I know myself how much nursing soothed my Jett as he had all his plasters put on in his first 3 months.

Looking at his face when he latches on, I can see what it means to him, and I’ll bet you saw that same expression on your son’s face too.

Congratulations, you should be proud of what you did for your son, it is great that although it is tiring as hell some times, it isn’t something we’ll regret in the long run.

Charndra

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