From here to there, we made it far Olive! I’m so very proud.

The habit is dying hard for mama though. Not just any old habit either, a bond between a mother and a daughter that I feel so fortunate to have been able to experience for as long as I did. I nursed Olivia for 11 months and 25 days. Of that time she was exclusively nursing without any other foods for 7 months. My goal was to make it to her 1st Birthday, this upcoming Friday but she had other plans. We had a big weekend this past weekend and maybe it was all of the excitement, but she, as of last night, decided she was done.

We’ve been slowly nursing less for the last couple of months now with the addition of new solids, etc. She was down to just nursing before bed, in addition to nursing she takes Horizon’s organic whole milk which is what her pediatrician recommended with her being so close to age 1.

I’m happy that it was she who decided and that I did not have to make her stop. I really did want it to be her decision.  I’m just a little emotional because I don’t know if this is my last baby and well, it was just such a special bond, I wasn’t quite ready to let it go. I suppose I’ll have to squeeze in some extra snuggles before bed now!

I’ve recently had the opportunity to review a copy of “Simply Breastfeeding“. This is a DVD that comes in 2 parts. It takes place in a class setting which is perfect for if you want to leave and come back to it. You also have the pleasure of taking a “breastfeeding class” in the comfort of your own home.

The Topics Included in Simply Breastfeeding:

Benefits of Breastfeeding
Latching and Positioning Techniques
Preventing Nipple Pain
Signs your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
Breastfeeding at the Hospital
Introducing the Bottle

I am especially passionate about this DVD because I myself am a breastfeeding mom for a combined amount of time of 20 months so far between my two children. Now, even though I feel slightly experienced in the area, there was still so much for me to learn from this DVD.

I was a little intimidated at first, because of the length. I thought that it would be information that I have already learned. I can honestly tell you that I wish I would have owned this before my first child. I feel even more passionate about breastfeeding than I did prior to watching the DVD.

The DVD is hosted and presented by Shari Criso, a Certified Nurse Midwife and Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Shari has an amazing history. She is a fabulous woman, who you feel very comfortable listening to. You can tell she has a warm heart and she puts things into a perspective that anybody can understand.

This DVD will be something that I purchase for any of my friends who are even thinking about breastfeeding, or especially if they are having a hard time with it.

On a side note, and while this is a bit tardy, I would like to point out that Sarah from The Ohana Mama hosted a breastfeeding week on her blog last week. Sarah also included a review of Simply Breastfeeding along with many other awesome giveaways. While the week is actually over I urge you to go check out the posts from last week and enter some giveaways. I am even included in this post with some other fabulous mamas sharing our breastfeeding stories!