I have been debating whether to post this self portrait. I have this love/hate relationship with breastfeeding. First, Eli only takes a bottle when he wants to. Then there’s mastitis… I have had it three times and two of those times required antibiotics. I felt so bad that I thought I was dying. I wouldn’t wish this on my enemies. Lastly, are his food allergies/sensitivities. When Eli was a 8 weeks old, he would scream in pain each time he had a bowel movement. One of his doctors said he had a milk protein allergy and I should cut dairy from my diet. If he didn’t get better in a week, then to bring him back in and we would talk about formula options. He had all the symptoms, eczema, bloody stools, stuffy nose. Formula was not an option for me. If my body is capable of producing milk, why would I throw that away? I had to track my diet. I have been dairy, soy, nut, corn, and tomato free since Halloween. After 6 1/2 weeks, it was like we had a brand new baby! He wasn’t in pain anymore. Despite all these bumps, when he looks up to me and smiles, it’s the best feeling in the world.