I'm a nursing mom and while there are many glorious benefits that accompany this, there are actually way more sacrifices.
My child is attached to me in ways that it is hard to explain. On one end, this is a crazy connection, in other ways it is a crazy connection. haha.
So the bonding is priceless, but this also means that many times, I am the only one to soothe or calm my now 5 month old. It has meant missed outings, decreased time alone, greater responsibility for the baby, because that means I'm generally the one feeding him... and a lot of times, everything else. And nothing against my husband, but he's not gonna fight me to "keep him", especially during those cranky-I-just-wanna-see-my-mommy-moments. (Stop it! Only me can judge him!)
Nursing my baby boy means less colds and sicknesses (or less severe) as his body shares the antibodies that my body have. Less issues with digestion, as very very rarely are babies unable to digest their mother's milk (as compared to formula). But it also means, cracked, sore and bleeding nipples. yep. at 5 months I still have had some issues from time to time. It means thinking about where I will feed him when we go out, because while he does take a bottle, he's very rarely going to take a bottle from me when he can have more direct nurturance. And even if he does take a bottle, I then have to find a place to pump... or I deal with uncomfortable and leaky boobs. And he hasn't gotten teeth yet.
Okay. I know. TMI. BUT nurturing a human can be very similiar to nurturing a dream or a goal realized. Many of us grab ahold of the reality that we need to push to bring it forth and then we all celebrate over the product. You got the promotion. You started the business or organization. You launched the product line. Somewhere in that celebration we forget... that the work has only just begun. And for many of us, God's best for us requires a number of additional sacrifices past the birthing.
Side note: those sacrifices aren't just for the purpose of keeping us miserable, but it is in the processing where we see the growth and maturity necessary to manage the vision. One thing to birth it. Another to nurture in the early days. And a massive feat to manage it in its maximized state or more accurately, to manage it through to its full potential.
So back to that sacrifice. It make look like you having to wake up at night, multiple times... while your partner sleeps. It may mean passing on what looks like "great" opportunities while you invest more of yourself in that dream. It may mean...the proverbial (or literal) blood, sweat and tears.
But don't give up.
The truth that is often downplayed is how lonely it can be when we are committed to seeing a dream (or goal) to fruition.
You see, I know there are other factors that contribute to healthy babies, but I also know that what my body produces is THE BEST I can offer my baby (by way of food). I also know that I don't have to. There are alternatives to feeding and meeting his basic nutritional needs. I wouldn't be bad if I chose those. Viable options. But I chose exclusive breastfeeding, because it is my personal conviction to do so. I expect no awards, special mentions but at the same time, it is lonely, super-tiring, and just plain ole plenty work. LOL. Some days I'm like... this is overrated and I'm moving on.
But something calls me back. I look at him, and realize that my small sacrifice means a better chance for him. Ultimately, I have determined that he is worth it. Then, I look at my daughter and I am reminded that it does end. I also look at my daughter and remember that it won't kill me... even though it feels near death in some moments of fatigue and overwhelmedness.
It's the same message for you as you go hard after that dream. Don't. lose. hope. It will get better. You will not die for the sacrifice. The pain is temporary. Look back at the previous challenge you already overcome to get where you are and be encouraged.
Dr Eric Thomas (motivational speaker) says
And finally, find support. I noted earlier that hubs isn't gonna fight me to keep him if he's cranky. Well, there have been times when he was cranky and I was too tired to perserve with him. Then D1 swoops in and is able to rock, soothe, comfort in a way I cannot because I am simply too exhausted.
Wait. That's not a good story. Don't let yourself get that exhausted too often. Find the balance in the sacrifice, just as I hand the baby over when he is fed. God's provision is not merely financial resources but human support, its just we often get so caught up in what we think the support should be/look like that we often time do not benefit as much as we can from those who have been sent.
Stay the course. Find your "why" and keep it ever before you, and you'll find the strength to make the "how".
Selah.
Grace, peace and love,
r Gia