Should moms get a special prize for breastfeeding?

If you won a special prize for breastfeeding, would that encourage you to stick with it?

Breastfeeding Mama Talk recently shared a post on their Facebook page that encourages moms to nurse their babies for at least a year.

One mom was actually awarded a medal from her pediatrician. She shared her breastfeeding journey, including the overwhelming support she received from her doctor. She said that he stressed how amazing it was that she continued breastfeeding.

The mom wrote that her daughter wasn’t interested in solids for a while and her pediatrician assured her that “food before one is just for fun, she’s getting everything she needs” from the breast milk.

Then after one year, he surprised her with a medal congratulating her on a job well done.

“It felt so good to get recognized for the hard work, the sore nipples, the lack of sleep, the committing to pumping at work, the many batches of “lactation cookies,” and the whole year of breastfeeding,” she said.

Some moms find it extremely difficult to nurse for an entire year. She went on to say that this is the kind of support every mom needs and I couldn’t agree more.

I should preface by saying not every mom may share the same goal. However, for those who want to breastfeed, there’s hope.

I equate my breastfeeding experience to running a marathon. It’s a long journey to the finish line. But if you stick with it, you’ll eventually break through that ribbon. The most important thing is that you finish the race so to speak.

I remember those sleepless nights, sore nipples, and engorged breasts every day. There were moments when I felt like giving up because my baby wouldn’t latch on properly. Despite feeling frustrated and exhausted, I focused on the goal and leaned on others for support. My pediatrician gave me some helpful tips.

I actually made it to two years without a medal. But it would have been nice to get one for a job well done.