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sweet freedom

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This Thanksgiving, I was thankful for the gift of free will.  I decided, after much deliberation, to stop pumping and breastfeeding.  With my impending move, I've already experienced so much stress and exhaustion, and having to pump all the time wasn't helping.  People who love me have already been suggesting I stop for a while now, just for my own sake.  I actually don't mind breastfeeding because of that sweet bond it creates between mom and baby.  But, pumping is another beast altogether.  Being stuck to a location that has an outlet for power, and refrigeration to preserve the milk, at regular intervals, definitely felt like a ball and chain.  The transition is tough for Ethan because he's grown an attachment and familiarity with breastfeeding.  Our next steps with him are to attempt to reduce the amount of milk he's taking in a day, as well as finding another means of coaxing him to sleep.  We'll find a way, one day at a time.

But ooooh, the freeeeeeeeeeeedom.  The freedom to drink whatever I want to drink (hello Starbucks chai tea latte and ALL ASIAN MILK TEAS).  The freedom to wear whatever I want, regardless of how accessible it is for pumping/breastfeeding.  The freedom to use any face products regardless of potentially harmful ingredients to baby.  The freedom to not have to return to an outlet & refrigerator every 4 hours to pump is simply, glorifying.  I'm thankful for the ability to have nourished my son for the past 13 months, but I am even more thankful for the choice to own my entire body again. 
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