Thank you for supporting me!

The Leaky B@@b page on facebook has the following as a status update:


Fill in the blanks: "Dear _______, I appreciated it when you said _______ about my breastfeeding and I felt ________. Thank you for supporting me in breastfeeding."


Of course the first person I thought of was my husband! I commented on that post and then I decided I should post it on my husband's facebook wall. But there are others....many...others....


Dear Robbie: I appreciate how you tell me every day what a wonderful thing I am doing for Lily, how you reminded me that I would be disappointed if I quit when it got tough, how you still bring me a glass of water when I nurse even after 8 months, how you are so proud of me b/c no one in your family (according to your memory) breastfed, and when you called the midwives for me when I was in tears from mastitis. I feel so supported in my breastfeeding because of you and I could not have made it even this far without you. Thank you for supporting me in breastfeeding.


Dear Mom: I appreciate how you always have my back! I appreciate how you were my first lactation consultant and how you helped me establish my breastfeeding relationship with my baby. I appreciated it when you said that I was doing a good job about my breastfeeding and I felt you had confidence in me. Thank you for supporting me in breastfeeding.


Dear Dad: I appreciate how you do not say very much about it, but when you do it is always really cute. It probably makes you feel really weird to think about your daughter doing mommy things, but I feel like you support me in my goals. Thank you for working hard so my mom could come over to our house after Lily was born to help me. Thank you for supporting me in breastfeeding.


Dear Sister B: I appreciated it when you made a trip to my house to help me with my perceived latch problems. I appreciated it when you told Janet I had you on speed dial and I felt that you did not mind how much I need(ed) your help with breastfeeding. I appreciate your continued support in this parenting journey of mine! Thank you for supporting me in breastfeeding.


Dear Jori: I appreciated it when you said I could breastfeed Lily at your house and when you encouraged me when we went to the park even though all those people were around! I appreciated it when you said that you breastfed all of your babies at church. I appreciate when you said that I was modest about my breastfeeding and it made me feel more confident about when I may need to do it in public. Thank you for supporting me in breastfeeding.


Dear Sherry: I appreciate all the encouragement you give me when I talk about my struggles with breastfeeding on my facebook page and blog. I feel supported and encouraged, and although we have never met, I feel like I have a listening ear from someone who really understands what I mean! Thank you for supporting me in breastfeeding.


Dear Rachelle: I appreciate when you said all of the things you went through when you first started breastfeeding. I appreciate all the advice you gave. Most of all, I appreciate when you nursed in public when we all went to eat together before Lily was born. I always think back to that moment when I am faced with the need to nurse in public. Thank you for providing an example for me and thank you for supporting me in breastfeeding.


Dear Family and Friends: I appreciate when you say "Of course!" when I ask if it is okay to breastfeed my baby when you are around. It gives me so much more confidence to know that I have the support of so many people. I need ALL OF YOU to succeed at this. Thank you for supporting me in breastfeeding.