Monday, February 29, 2016

Breastfeeding and Training Bras

Disclaimer: I wrote this a few months ago. There was something I wanted to add, but I don't at all remember what it was. Since these concerns are very real today, I decided to share. The training bra stage is here, and I'm making it through OK.

I was in Children's Place boohooing today. I bought my daughter a size 14 (I go a size up for outerwear) sweater. This means that pretty soon she will no longer need girl sized clothing. I was in the store real-tear crying, "I'm not ready. I'm not ready. I'm not ready."

She asked, "Not ready for what?"

"For you to grow up! I'm not ready. I'm not ready."

"Well, can you get ready, but without crying?" Then after thinking about it and deciding to try to comfort me, she says, "But Mom, I'm only 8. We have 10 years before I'm grown."

There was more to the conversation, but I have two daughters in two totally different places in their development. One is nursing from my breasts, and the other is sprouting her own pair of breasts with which she will hopefully nurse her own children, though hopefully she will give me about 18 years to catch my breath.

Oh, the irony- that for the last couple of years, my daughters clothes have been next to the training bra section serving as a reminder of what is to come. My sweet baby girl has been ushered away into the era of older sisterdom. And right around the corner are training bras and before we know it phone calls from boys. Then to think, whatever phases we go through with the oldest will be repeated again approximately 8 years later.

Yep. I ain't ready. I will take my daughter's advice and get ready, but I shan't do so quietly. I will protest some of the time, but even more than that, I will be grateful all along the way. Despite any challenges that may present themselves, I love being a (their) mother...