The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued new breastfeeding recommendations to encourage women to breastfeed for two years or beyond, if doing so is “mutually desired” by moms and their babies.
But of course, breastfeeding for two-plus years — or for any length of time — is not always “mutually desired” or easy. Breastfeeding requires time and money, and can be physically and emotionally grueling. And for many parents, it simply isn’t possible.
“You just think, ‘If I could, if I could, if I could,’ but it’s just kind of out of your hands,” Sarah Roy, a mother who could not breastfeed her baby because she was undergoing leukemia treatment, previously told The New York Times. “A lot of people don’t understand that.”
The Times is looking to hear from parents of babies about the daily realities of breastfeeding, whether your experience has been long and joyful or brief and painful. Are you exclusively pumping? Supplementing with formula? Using a supplementary nursing system? Tandem feeding? Whatever your current circumstances, we want to hear from you.
If you are interested in sharing how breastfeeding is going for you, fill out the form below and a reporter may be in touch. Your input could be included in a future story.