“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together.”

–Vist M. Kelly

Do you? Did you? Why? Why not? Was it your choice or was the choice made for you—by your family/your friends/the community/your doctor/your body/the peanut gallery? Did you feel supported in your decision or not so much? Do/did you have guilt because you didn’t—or did? Did you have guilt when you stopped or when you chose not to stop for many years? Do you judge other Super-moms who don’t nurse—or do?

And what is this all about anyway? The judgment, the guilt. the fear, the anger. This is by far one of the touchiest subjects that this Super-mom can broach, but that hasn’t deterred me in the past.

So put it out there, Super-moms. Tell your story and let’s come together around this topic and support each other for the unique and important choices we each made.

I’ll start the dialogue by saying that so far, I have breastfed all of my children. I would love to have more children and would love breastfeed them too; however, it is always up to the Universe whether it’s going to fly or not. I was extremely blessed with my three children in that they latched on very easily from birth and nursed well from then on. I never had a sore or cracked nipple or had to use Lanolin ointment, although I had it on hand just in case, Sister, because I’d heard the stories. We all have our share of what challenges us when we have a newborn but this, I am very fortunate to say, was not one of mine. I found breastfeeding to be a wonderful way to connect with my baby, nourish her/him in the best way I knew how, and get off of my feet once in awhile and meditate, although I have been known to nurse while on the move when necessary. ☺

My first child, Madison (now 11) weaned herself at 13.5 months old. I had different plans on how long she’d nurse, but followed her guidance—my wisest teacher at the time. I still remember chasing her around saying “Nursey?! Nursey?” as she ignored me and bombed around our house exploring anything and everything. She was Done–with a capital “D”–and this Super-mom had a few issues around allowing that—around letting go. But let go I did, and off she went.

So in came Sagey (now 4), who had no intention of stopping nursing (she called it “THIS”), now—or ever. I was pregnant with our third child Phoenix (yes, you can get pregnant while you are nursing) and Sagey was 2.5 years old and still going strong. “THIS!! THIS!! I WANT THHHHHHHIIIISSSS!!” She could be heard saying while chasing ME around the pink house. The universe has quite a sense of humor, and timing. I attempted–quite unsuccessfully–to wean her twice between the ages of 2 and 2.5. The first time my husband put her down for her nap and bedtime while I hid out in our attic office, cringing at the sound of her wailing “I WANT MOMMY!! WHERE IS MOMMY?! I WANT THHHHHIIIISSS!!”

Mission not accomplished.

The second attempt involved me following the somewhat dubious advice of my health care provider, who swore to me that if I fled the scene for three nights, she’s forget all about nursing. Looking back, I must have unconsciously really wanted to go visit my friend in NYC for a few nights because Girl, there’s no way I could’ve really bought that. I returned home three days (and long nights) later with very sore breasts to Sagey waiting at the door—for Mommy and “THIS.”

Then one day Sagey got strep throat. At my checkup that afternoon my midwife stated that the breastfeeding was over—that moment—since I could get strep on my nipples, and I absolutely did not want to do that.

I arrived home to give Sagey the news. After explaining to my precious toddler what my Midwife had said, Sagey said two words: “OK Mommy,” and went back to playing.

Ahhhh, the wisdom, candidness, and unpredictability of a toddler.

Phoenix, now 22 months, is still nursing once a night–right before bedtime. It’s not really for nourishment at this point of course—it’s more about comfort and his bedtime routine. I’m not sure when he’ll wean. I’m open, and watching him–and myself–for signs that we’ve had it.

So breastfeeding has been a wonderful, fulfilling, and incredibly convenient experience for my three children and me thus far in my parenting adventure. I have many friends who’ve had similar experiences, and many who’ve had different ones. I support and honor all of their choices and feelings on this topic, as I hope every Super-mom would.