August is recognized as Breastfeeding Awareness Month, so here I am to celebrate with a photo.

Before I had Ewan, I kind of chuckled at how many things people do these days before beginning their nursing relationship. There are classes to take, books to read, lactation consultants to meet. It all just seemed like so much for something that was supposed to be so natural. Then, as you might remember, nursing didn’t come nearly as easily for Ewan and I as I had imagined it would. Due to his prematurity and our separation, it didn’t come very naturally . It wasn’t long before I was on the phone with a LLL leader here in Japan, crying my eyes out and desperately seeking out answers and support.

I guess that really that is what it all comes down to. Having support. Sometimes that support comes from within the family. Sometimes it comes from outside. But no matter who it comes from, it is important and can make the difference for most nursing moms.

Now, nearly five months after we worked so hard to get nursing established, I am proud to say that Ewan has been exclusively breastfed. I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of those I have had around me. From the LLL leader who talked me down during those first few days, to my mother-in-law telling me that she was certain that Ewan would eventually come to prefer the boob, to Aaron bringing me countless glasses of water and snacks, and many more. I have been able to do it because of you. Thank you.