One Celebrity Mom's Story Sparks a Discussion on a Very Personal Matter

I recently read an article about a celebrity, and it was so touching that I wanted to share her story and my feelings about being a parent.

If you haven’t heard, Christina Applegate recently gave birth to her first child, just two years after undergoing a double mastectomy to fight breast cancer. I also recently delivered and it made me realize that her story easily could have been mine, or anybody’s.

The famous actress was very insecure about her chest after having survived breast cancer. She mentioned in the article that she was very private and would not have her gown open for any of her labor or delivery, but the moment her daughter was born she ripped open the gown and laid her on her chest. She said in People Magazine that her daughter “cured her in so many ways”.

Unfortunately, even as a celebrity, the nurses continually asked her if she planned to breast feed. Apparently they don’t read your birth plan even if you’re famous! I can imagine every time someone asked it was like reopening a fresh wound.

She would firmly say she did not plan to nurse, and if the hospital staff got pushy (as people can do when discussing nursing) she told them about her health history and they apologized profusely.

This made me realize how lucky I am to be able to nurse my children. I never really saw it as such a privilege until I realized how easily it could be taken away.

A very personal and private decision, it is of course up to the individual to decide if she will nurse her children or bottle feed. For me it came very naturally and there was no reason not to breastfeed my babies. But for others there are many reasons they choose not to, or are unable.

There is a day when your milk comes in and your entire body feels swollen, and that day is very painful, but I got past it with hot showers, Advil and nursing often. After that it becomes more natural. I think many people may freak out when they experience that very painful day.

If I can help women understand how to nurse effectively, then that is a good thing. I will not, however, go spouting my beliefs at strangers in the mall. I often get praise for nursing from gung-ho advocates. I cringe to think of what they say to the women they see bottle feeding their infants, considering their strong opinions.

Like I said, it’s a woman’s choice. However, hearing Christina’s story I realized that not being able to nurse left her feeling like she was missing out on an incredible bonding experience.

She also mentioned something that hit home with me: when she was 7 she had written in a book that she wanted to be a singer, dancer and actress. Then she crossed those out and wrote in big letters “Mommy."

I think of all the jobs we do, being a Mom is the most wonderful and fulfilling. I actually misted up in the grocery store aisle thinking about how lucky I was to have the privilege of going home to my newborn and already having everything he needed.