When my daughter was a newborn, breastfeeding was pretty relaxing. Once she latched on, she’d eat for about 20 minutes straight without ever coming up for air. I could count on relaxing during these times, and often caught a few ZZZ’s while she filled up her little belly.
The older my daughter got, the less relaxing nursing sessions became. I still cherish our special breastfeeding moments together, but I’m definitely not getting any power naps in while she dines.
Where she used to be blissfully unaware of the world around her, my baby girl is now as nosy as they come. If anything makes a noise, she is immediately pulling off to see where it came from. If she catches a movement out of the corner of her eye, she turns to get a better look. Most often, and maybe most annoying, she is constantly fiddling around with her chubby little fingers.
“Mom, I noticed your hair is down today.” Yank.
“Those drawstrings on your hooded sweatshirt are enchanting!” Pull.
“A necklace? You shouldn’t have.” Tug.
“You’re telling me it hurts when I use your chest as a scratching post?” Rake.
You get the idea.
Although I wasn’t planning on my baby getting me anything for Mother’s Day, I ended up with two necklaces “from” her. These are not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill necklaces, folks. They’re Mommy Necklaces. Nursing Necklaces, to be exact.
These necklaces are designed specifically for mothers with children ages 0-3 who love to pull, tug, yank, and wreak havoc on their mothers. They are made of nontoxic, acrylic beads, and guaranteed not to chip or break. They have a nifty closure that will pop open if the child pulls hard enough (thus keeping the necklace from breaking or the mother from being strangled). Best of all, they come in a beautiful variety of colors, lengths, and styles.
I love the necklaces for two reasons. First of all, it feels great to be wearing jewelry again. I can dress up an outfit and have no fear of anything breaking. Secondly, I now have a nurser who is much calmer. Rather than craning her neck to see what’s going on in the room, she stares at the necklace; instead of scratching my chest to death, her hands are occupied with the smooth, round beads.