This is for a challenge to scrap about breasts for breast cancer awareness month.
Journalling reads:
I donÂ’t know why it has to be such an issue with new moms. My kids are only 2 and 3. And you know what? They donÂ’t remember that they were breastfed. They donÂ’t have any memories of getting fed and nourished and filled with life at my breasts.
I know it was good for them. I know breastfeeding has value and I donÂ’t mean to downplay the good aspects of nursing. But the divisiveness, the cattiness, the judgment between mothers over nursing is heartbreaking.
Breastfeeding is truly one tiny smidgeon of parenting. Breastfeeding alone doesnÂ’t define a good mother.
I remember distinctly the pain and frustration I had when nursing didnÂ’t work easily. I pumped for 10 weeks before Libby figured out how to latch-- and during that time, I felt like a failure as a mother and as a woman. I felt like my body had betrayed me. I felt like I was unable to do what God had designed my body to do.
But if IÂ’d never been able to make it work-- it would not have changed my love and my heart for my children.
Motherhood is so much more. It is time, it is touch, it is tenderness.
I wish I could go back and be more gentle with myself. I wish I could go back and tell myself that really, truly, a bottle of supplemental formula wouldnÂ’t have made me a bad mother. Really, truly. Breastfeeding is great. But it isnÂ’t some transcendental thing that separates the good moms from the bad moms. ThereÂ’s so much more to motherhood than milk ducts and mammary glands.
Schtuff Kit by Holly McCaig @ PDW
Purty Pics and Acid Actions by Holly McCaig @ PDW
Fonts are Dirty Ego, century gothic, fg amelia, DSG Stamped Alpha
Sketch by me @ PDW
Date: Friday, October 27, 2006 GMT Views: 1214
Favorited:4
Registered: August 21, 2005 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 414
Fri, Oct 27, 2006 @ 7:10 PM
What a great page! I did not breast feed any of my three boys for many reasons that I don't need to go into here, but have been shamed into not admitting that on several occasions. As a result, I have three healthy boys that are seldom if ever sick, never had ear infections as babies, and are growing into strong young men. My husband played an active roll in the midnight wake up calls because he was able to participate. There are two sides to every story...kudos to the women that breastfeed but to all of those that cannot or choose not too, it does not mean we love our children any less. Thanks for seeing both sides!
Registered: January 28, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 4249
Fri, Oct 27, 2006 @ 7:22 PM
amen, sister! Love that photo!!!
There truely IS more to motherhood that milk ducts and mammary glands, and I'm glad that a woman who breastfed her kids is able to see the other side of the story too. Thanks for that!
Love the water mark "Why do we judge" look on this. Great journaling. Awesome fonts!
------------------------------ Betsy, Mama to Jackson and Macy My Gallery *My Blog 2008 scrapbook pages goal: 107/150
Registered: June 19, 2003 Location: Super Bowl City, TX Posts: 34508
Fri, Oct 27, 2006 @ 8:22 PM
Kim, this is the best breast page that I have ever seen!!! Ain't it the truth though!! The mommy wars can be so harsh and we should support and encourage each other, not tear each other down. I really think your kids will say Thanks for the mammeries!!
ETA-I love how you journal! You are giving your girls a treasure!!
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Jackie G. (aka Jacquita) SCSmember #656
Write your sorrows in sand and your blessings in stone.
Registered: February 23, 2005 Location: North Attleboro, MA Posts: 2018
Sat, Oct 28, 2006 @ 4:53 AM
What a wonderful page and I just love what your journaling says. I had a difficult time nursing and the emotions associated with it were overwhelming. It really comes down to just what you said. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful layout - and perspective!
------------------------------ Donna - Wife and Mom in Massachusetts
Registered: May 27, 2004 Location: The Rocket City - Huntsville, Al Posts: 2732
Sat, Oct 28, 2006 @ 6:21 AM
AMEN!!!
Your journaling is awesome and I love what you say!! Your children may not thank you for breastfeeding, but they will thank you for the gift of the wonderful scrapbooks you create! Kudos to you!!