You've breastfed how long?

I'm a firm believer in breastfeeding.  In fact, I'm so pro-breastfeeding that I have even called myself a breastfeeding nazi.  I have breastfed 7 kids.  I know you are asking yourself "7 kids???  I thought she only had 6."  And I do only have 6 children of my own but my niece, who was 6 weeks premature, couldn't tolerate her formula at one point so I also nursed her for a few weeks while also nursing my 18 month old daughter.  She did so well on it.  My brother put a stop to it because it was "disgusting" as he put it. 

I was 16 years old when my first child was born.  I was so determined to breastfeed because my mom told me I wouldn't be able to.  Now don't take that the wrong way.  My mom was very pro-breastfeeding.  She breastfed both of my brothers and me.  She was just so afraid that at 16 and going to college, I wouldn't be able to do it.  I didn't have enough milk so I did supplement with formula and goat's milk.  I did it while going to college, working, and having a life. 

Me at 16 with Zach

 

I have breastfed for 11 years and 3 months so far.  I am currently nursing my 2 month old daughter.  I used to be one of those moms who physically got sick if I saw a bottle of formula in a baby's mouth.  Thanks to some wonderful friends I met online, I have come to realize that not everyone can breastfeed.  Not everyone wants to breastfeed either and while I feel that it is selfish to not even try, they are not my child and I'm thankful they are getting fed.  One day when my children are in school, I will go back to school to become a lactation consultant.  I will be able to help moms who have no support.  Knowledge is power.  :)