Black Breastfeeding Week 2014

BLACK BREASTFEEDING WEEK 2014

IT WILL BE HERE SHORTLY! (August 25-31)

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

My addiction

For those who don't know. Yes I used to smoke. Cigarettes to be more specific. I stopped smoking about 2 months after finding out I was pregnant with my now 2 year old. I've gone cold turkey for close to 3 years now... But this past January, after being away for a weekend, my youngest daughter showed disinterest in nursing when I got back home. It was kind of bittersweet. I kind of enjoyed the fact that I'd have my "body back" finally. At the same token I knew that my pregnancy and breastfeeding is what kept me from giving in to those cravings that had been taunting me lately.

I went to the midwife for my annual check up and told her about my youngest daughter's sudden disinterest and that it's fueling my intense desire to light one for the first time in a long time. I told her that I felt bad because I'd been nursing her to fight off that desire. And now that she's "done" I don't know what to do. I also worried that if she so happens to want to nurse again then it couldn't happen because I would have started smoking again. I had no idea what to do. Then my midwife gave me this bit of information...

http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvaugsep04p75.html

Touchy subject.
I know some will have some VERY strong opinions regarding smoking and breastfeeding. To some this will come as a relief. As it did with me.
My 2 year old began showing interest in nursing again. And I've given in to my habit again during her short hiatus. Granted she's not nursing as much as she'd been before her first rejection. She may go a few days without nursing. Then when she decides she wants it again she will only do so in the middle of the night. Or when she needs to wind down. In the meantime my need to smoke is restricted to 1 or 2 a day and this is not daily. The need is so sporadic that I am confident that I pose no risk because whenever I do nurse her I am way past the nicotine's half life.

I am not here to convince anyone in any specific way when it comes to this situation. I just want to make people aware.
I respect the opinions of all. And don't mind the opinions of those who oppose this. I will not accept bashing though. I like to think of this place as a safe place of some sort. So demonizing will not be tolerated.
With that said I'd love to hear experiences and thoughts.

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