i breastfed both of my sons. but i didn't truly learn the joys of nursing until i nursed my second son.

written for griffin mead young, march 29, 2000

in the dark night in our big family bed
i am half-roused from sleep by your
sweet warm body rolling toward me
i draw you nearer still and your mouth searches
eyes still closed in sleep
until it finds what it seeks
and you drift again to deep sleep
and so do i, listening to you singing
your humming lullaby, interrupted only
by your swallows of our liquid gold.

first thing in the morning
i am greeted by your smile
as you sit up and lean over me
burying your face in my abundant breast
and coming up with your prize:
my nipple, held in your mouth with a smile around it
just a quick suck-suck-suck and you are ready
to face the day.

exploring your world, whether
at home
at the park
at the library
or someplace new
you know you can explore without fear
because i'm right there for you to return to
when you're unsure or
when you fall down or
when you just want me again
crawling and cruising
you approach me
maybe smiling sweetly
maybe looking scared
maybe crying
almost always saying "muh-muh"
and secure in your knowledge
that there is nothing that cannot be made right
by a little milk.

sitting quietly, just we two
or in a roomful of people
your mouth locked around my nipple
your eyes locked with mine
we are each other's universe
we are all there is
i kiss your hands
nibble your fingers
tickle your tummy
play with your toes
to be rewarded with that sweet
smile-around-my-nipple
that is only for me.

a thousand places
a thousand ways
i have nursed you
and every time i am amazed once again
at the miracle of life unimpeded
that allows me to give you everything you need
from my body, my breasts.

i love to nurse you!

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