Happy Holiday Greetings Everyone!!! Jodie is now 31 months old and yes, she is happily nursing.

We have had some bumps and ups and downs in our nursing relationship, but we made it through. Right after Halloween I suffered a severe allergic reaction which brought on a painful, intensely itchy rash all over my body plus swelling so bad my skin hurt and it progressed to the point that my husband had to rush me to the ER where I actually stopped breathing. Fortunately, I made it through it all. I was pumped full of epinephrine, antihistamines, painkillers and steroids. I was in no shape to breastfeed. Jodie did not seem to mind and after a few days had passed I was pretty sure that we were done......NOT! Just as the worst had started to pass, Jodie crawled into bed with me and shyly asked for mommy milk and I obliged.

Even now, the day before Christmas, I am still feeling the affects of this allergic reaction. My doctor explained to me that my immune system is shot right now so I am pretty vulnerable meaning that things that normally don't bother me now do. So I continue with antihistamines and my little inhaler to help me breathe easier. Fortunately, my doc took the time to check the meds he prescribed to make sure that they would also be safe for my nursing child.

For now Jodie nurses twice, sometimes three times a day. Somedays her times at the breast are extremely short and other times it seems like she could go all day.

She bit me accidentally a few days ago and it HURT! My yelling out made it real clear to her that it did hurt. I quickly ended that session and explained that her teeth hurt me when she bites. Now when she asks for mommy milk she also adds, "I won't hurt you mommy."

Don't know how far into 1999 Jodie and I will continue. We'll have to see. Until then, Happy New Year! May your 1999 be happy, healthy, prosperous and filled with love.

Happily nursing,
Jodie and Laura †

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