Stillness

Some people say they get their best ideas in the shower, but I find that nursing is when I'm the most able to ponder and organize everything that's swirling around in my brain at any given moment. June is two and a half and really only breastfeeds once a day, usually to fall asleep for her nap--we lie down in the master bedroom and curl up together, and my mind starts to wander. I always knew I wanted to nurse both of my girls for a long time, and for June it's now for comfort rather than actual nourishment, and is part of her sleep routine (unless someone else puts her down, which she's ok with thank goodness).

It's only recently that I've really started noticing how many of my ideas are formed and shaped during those quiet minutes together, more so than if I ever lie in bed alone and stare out the window. It must be something about the hormones, or the warmth of her body, or the time frame--somehow when I try to sit still any other way I find myself subconsciously trying to weasel out of it. There in bed with June it's different--time feels like less of a burden. The moment she falls asleep is the best part, when her body goes limp against me and she becomes even warmer. I usually stay there with her for a while, just to draw the experience out a bit more, and then transfer her to her crib. I don't know how much longer I'll nurse her--I have no set timetable, and because I'm (almost) 100% sure that she's my last baby I'm happily holding onto this vestige of connection. She's usually so mobile that having this opportunity to be still with her is a lovely thing. Edie's very affectionate as well, and I'm thankful that I have that physical bond with her too. I hope that even without the nursing to help cohere my thoughts that I'll be able to carry it through to simply having quiet moments with the girls in whatever form those moments take, but I'll really miss this phase of my life.

The image above was taken when June was about a year old; it's always felt slightly too romantic to add to my website, but it seemed right to use it to illustrate this post.

Comments

Anonymous said…
i want to be just like you when i grow up.
I wan Kwis :)

(I assume that's you K.W...)
Anonymous said…
fantastic.
beautiful photography.
This overwhelming tenderness.

Greetings.
Heather said…
It's such a lovely photo!

I had the same thing when nursing Eliot. Especially the last time before he went down for the (hopefully) night. I would replay the day in my head, think of things I wanted to do (or needed to be done) tomorrow; plan, scheme, think.

I really miss that about nursing now. Instead this time comes in shorter bursts; right after Eliot has a nap he likes to have an extended snuggle either in bed or sitting somewhere and I can use that time for the same purpose.

We'll miss you this Friday!
Alisha Stamper said…
isn't nursing the best ever? beautiful photograph, by the way. I also agree that there is something lovely and healthy about the calm that comes with nursing. I find I HAVE to let go a little and really breathe deep, and how many of us really do that everyday, take a deep breath? Of course, the hormones help, but being completely in tune with my body, and the complete ego boost of knowing how well you are providing in that way (the comfort, nourishment, etc), doesn't hurt either.
Unknown said…
This is lovely. Cecily stopped nursing after I got pregnant and even though she was two and a half, I miss it sometimes. I know I am having another one, but she and I will not have that bond together again.
Anonymous said…
As a mommy of two girls, it is nice to read this post as something I can really relate too. I've been meaning to capture such a moment with my little one, and this really has inspired me to act on it.

Beautifully written and captured :)
Anonymous said…
What a BEAUTIFUL picture!!
Anonymous said…
Hi there--made my way over here from Shutter Sisters and was so surprised to see this beautiful post about nursing. My son is not quite 3.5 and it tickles me to think that, for another year or so at least, he has spent more of his life nursing than not-nursing. Nowadays he is so independent and, at times, headstrong, it helps to remember those moments when we would drift away together, totally in sync.

Popular Posts