Baby. You Want to Eat Now?

Felicity, age four days old, wearing a headband and looking oh so cute made her first trip to church. Naturally, Nathan and I went too. Stepping inside and settling down in the chairs at the back, Felicity decided it was time to eat. Now.

Yes, I had a beautiful nursing shawl. Yes, I’d decided to nurse. Yes, I didn’t want to stay in the house for the entirety of her first year. But really, she wanted food now? In public?

There are certain milestones in a person’s life: going to kindergarten, buying a car, graduating college, a first kiss, the lead part in a musical… and, if you are a mom, the first nurse in public.

I’m not usually the type to become easily embarrassed, but Felicity and I weren’t good at nursing yet. Nursing is like learning a team sport. Both parties are clumsy. They need to sync with each other while simultaneously learning a new skill. For the baby, she has to make her little lips actually suck. It helps if it’s the right place. For the mom, it’s all about position. Is the baby too high? Too low? Just not into the football position? (You can nurse your baby like she’s a football). It may not sound like much, but I assure you, descriptions can be deceptive.

That day we left early. Some victories come easily and some take a little bit of time.

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