I feel like a big time blogger now! My post about breastfeeding vs. taking meds for ADHD has generated the most feedback of any post, ever. I really appreciate everyone's feedback. I felt so much better about everything after I posted all about how I was feeling. It's weird, because I'm a pretty private person and suddenly I'm blogging about my personal struggle with being the best mom I can be. What's interesting is, after I typed it all out and posted it...I felt like a weight had been lifted. I went on with my day and had a better attitude about it. I now realize that I would be much too sad to stop breastfeeding at this point. A lot of the feedback centered around thinking about myself and putting myself first. Taking care of me so that I can better take care of my children. But, really, nursing the baby is what I really want to do. It was never a question of whether or not I wanted to breastfeed. It's a special thing that I won't get to do forever and time with her that I won't get back. So, I'm going to continue to nurse for a few more months. Ideally, she will go from the breast to a sippy cup with no problem, just like Drew.
Now, I'm sure some of you are screaming, "What are you thinking?! What about your other children that you were so worried about yesterday?" I know. The concern for my other two children is still there. I am going to take small steps to make sure that I do better for them over the next few months. How? Well, first off, I'm going to be open with my friends and family about my struggle. That way I don't feel so alone with this chaos. I am going to ask for help when I need it and not feel like I need to take care of everything. Also, starting in August (i'm waiting until then because I can join the YMCA for free and Lily will be starting school.) I'm going to start a regular workout routine. I turn 29 that month, and for my birthday present I'm going to get myself a personal trainer for a bit, so that I can really commit to it. For those of you who don't know, working out is one of the best natural ways to help the mind to focus. Above all, I'm going to spend time each day with Lily and Drew making sure that they have a positive memorable interaction with me....that way if I get short-tempered, they will have something stored in their love bank.
4 comments:
Yay!!!!
I'm really proud of you, Tay, and I want you to know that I think you made the right decision. You have many, many years to build a relationship with your children, and you will find lots of creative ways to do that. But you will never again have the opportunity you have right now to bond with Julianna. I didn't want to give you advice because you have to follow your own instincts, but I want you to know I think you are doing the right thing.
Thank you so much, Aunt Diana! I feel good about it. I love you, Taylor
Wow, I echo what Diana said. I didn't write anything either because my personal solution would have been to keep breastfeeding. But then again, I don't know what it is like to struggle with ADHD so I am not really in a position to offer my opinion. On the other hand, I struggle with depression and if I found out that my meds would interfere with breastfeeding, I would be so torn! I don't know what I would do. You are a strong momma and I'm proud of you! I like your idea of filling your child's "love bank." That's something from the parenting philosophy of "Love & Logic" ( i think that's where it's from). Keep up the GREAT WORK and know that I aspire to be as creative and fun with my kids as you are, so naturally, with yours! Love you!
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