It has been a long, hard road to get here (6.5 months). I almost gave up several times. Once when she was about 3 months old, I remember crying my eyes out, not knowing what to do.
And I won't even talk about the first month. When Hazel was a week old I called my boss and asked for 2 months of maternity leave instead of one. My boss quickly agreed to it, thankfully. The thought of going back to work when I couldn't even successfully feed my baby was too overwhelming, and I was so thankful to have that extra month. I just remember thinking, "How am I supposed to do anything else when I can't even feed my baby?"
And this. Pumping. The bane of my existence, but the only way I've been able to breastfeed. I remember being in the hospital trying to figure out how to put the parts together, fumbling around with it all. But if it weren't for pumping, I wouldn't have a supply at all. And although my supply is very small, it is still here, and it is still nourishing Hazel.
My first goal was 6 months. I made it! I also almost quit at that point. My medicine (which doubles my supply) ran out right at 6 months and it takes 3 weeks minimum for it to be delivered, so I knew that by the time I had it delivered, my supply would be pretty much gone. But then a friend sent me the extras she had... and I can't even describe what a blessing that was!
So between the ones she gave me and the ones I ordered, I should be good for another 3 months or so. I'm thinking that at that point, it may be time to end. We'll see-- I may change my mind and push on towards Hazelnut's first birthday!
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