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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Here's why Coleen Garcia believes in breastfeeding

Here's why Coleen Garcia believes in breastfeeding

Published Aug 5, 2022 02:06 pm

"I can name many reasons why it’s hard, but much stronger reasons why it’s so worth it."

This whole week is all about breastfeeding and moms all over the world are sharing photos and experiences on it as a way to inspire others to do the same. Coleen Garcia is one of them, posting on her personal Instagram account, "If it seems like I’m always nursing…. it’s because I am."

She continues by honoring all the moms, "We celebrate the mothers who have gone to great lengths to do what they believe is best for their children. Don’t be made to feel ashamed of your decisions, and don’t you ever apologize for doing the best you can. Do what you feel is best for your family, and be proud as you do it. If you choose to breastfeed, know that there is a whole community that gets you. Also, we shouldn’t have to normalize something that already is normal and natural."

It is not an easy task to do, and Coleen has been breastfeeding for almost two years! "Time does fly, and what a journey it has been for us! Going on two years, and still counting. And let me tell you, it ain’t glamorous. There have been (and still are) countless sleepless nights, frustration, sacrifices, discomfort, and a lack of time, energy and capacity for anything else." She shares moments when she couldn't stop nursing because her son is sick or even teething. "Sometimes, it’s almost like I feel every last drop draining out of me, but I do see how it always quickly and effectively makes things better for him. And that’s what it is. Being uncomfortable but giving him comfort, feeling weak but making him strong, feeling like I’m not enough, then realizing that I have more to give than I could have ever imagined," she realizes.

A mom's love can do so much, enduring everything just to make her children better. "I can name many reasons why it’s hard, but much stronger reasons why it’s so worth it. The permanent effects will always outweigh my temporary discomfort and sacrifices. It gives me so much peace of mind and a sense of fulfillment to know that I’ve been doing what I can to keep Amari as healthy as possible, but our breastfeeding journey hasn’t only been about that. I truly believe that it has brought us even closer and has strengthened the bond, connection and relationship we share in a deeply humbling way. I wouldn’t be the mother—the person—I am today if it weren’t for the times I decided to put him before myself. I could never imagine what it would have been like if we hadn’t chosen this path, and I would choose it again and again!"

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