Mom Breastfeeding With a Fever Explains Why She Treasures the Challenging Moments

A mom opened up about the thoughts and emotions that many parents feel when their child is sick — in addition to their entire family. On the Facebook page Breastfeeding Mama Talk, Kristie Shelton shared a picture of herself breastfeeding her baby as they both battled a cold. Her caption explored what was going through her mind in that moment as she cared for her baby while also being sick.

"Today, everyone in our household is sick," Shelton wrote. "Seeing your child unwell and knowing that there is little you can do to ease their pain makes a mother's heart ache. You wanted to be held but pushed us away, you needed relief but threw up the baby panadol I gave you as a last resort."

She then tried to read his favorite story, and that's when her baby latched on. "I pulled you onto my chest and held you just as I did in the wee hours of the morning that you were born. . . . No longer a tiny baby, I look at you now and wonder how you ever fit inside my belly. You grow more and more independent with every passing moment, so, even though you are unwell, I treasure these moments," she said.

Though Shelton cherished that her baby is gradually becoming more independent, she also appreciated that moment wherein she could nourish and protect him: "My body, this body that grew and protected you for nine months can still provide the nourishment and safety you desire. I will give that to you for just as long as I can."

Ultimately, Shelton reflected on the fact that she'll "always" put her son first — even on days when she's sick with a fever and "aching from head to toe." She added, "I am happy to come second because this tiny little human I grew and nurtured from within me needs me."