Really? Already? Our baby is turning five months old next week. It seems like everyday she reaches a new milestone. They are right when they say children grow up so quickly! She rolled over for the first time from her belly to her back this past weekend. She is grabbing objects on purpose and putting them in her mouth. She is starting to turn her head towards our voices and maybe, just maybe is starting to learn her name. Next, we're looking forward to rolling from back to tummy, sitting without support, and turning her head to her name.

On the nursing front, the farm is still open! I am proud to say that at five months we are still exclusively breastfeeding/pumping. Did you know that at birth, 70% of mothers breastfeed, while at 6 months only 36% have stuck with it? Several organizations recommend breastfeeding for the entire first year of life, with the World Health Organization recommending breastfeeding for the first two years of life. In the US, only 17% are still nursing their babies at 1 year old.

Now, when to stop nursing is controversial isn't it? My personal goal is exclusive nursing for 6 months, gradual introduction of solids, with continued nursing a few times a day until Elsie turns one. At age one, I'll start the weaning process. At times, this task seems daunting. The past few weeks I've had to pump two to three times MORE a day than usual to keep up with her. Yes, it is a hassle to pack up storage bottles and cold packs every day. The pump is small, but a drag to carry around. I hang a "FARM" sign up at my desk when I go to pump so my coworkers know where I am. I have to excuse myself to the farm 4 times a day for about 10 minutes each session. I have to clean the pump parts daily and steam clean them weekly. On the weekends we plan activities knowing we'll need breaks to nurse. But let there be no doubt that I enjoy nursing and I am proud to provide my child with the healthiest food available. For me, it is worth all the hassle. There are just so many benefits for her and for me. If you know someone who is pregnant or wanting to become pregnant, please...do them a favor and encourage nursing. Go to kellymom.com for more info.