My Bartending Gig at Club LG (Breastfeeding 'Til Dawn!)

My second job is one of the best gigs I've ever had! I'm bartending at Club LG. It's very exclusive, and the dress code is pretty strict (diapers and pajamas only), but the tips (kisses and drooling) are awesome!

My sleep-deprived mommy-of-four brain likes to think happy thoughts as I'm struggling to stand up at 2 a.m. to comfort, console, and nurse my nearly 13-month-old baby girl.

I never was much of a partier in high school and college. Sure, I had my share of late nights at parties, concerts (10,000 Maniacs, Depeche Mode, anyone?), or even studying or writing papers (I really miss writing papers, really I do!). But partying was never my thing.

But meeting the needs of a helpless baby in the middle of the night is a kind of partying. And doesn't every baby deserve her own nightclub? Just look at this face! And her onesie says it all.

I know this party won't last forever.

She'll sleep through the night eventually—whether we continue nursing or not. But right now, we're dealing with growth spurts, learning spurts, new teeth, and illnesses (another ear infection!), all of which affect our breastfeeding schedule and LG's need to nurse.

The week she got all four of her teeth (yes, four in the same week) was sheer agony for both of us. Apparently, the hours between 2 and 5 a.m. are prime teething times, at least for my baby girl. She would wake to nurse, latch on, eat for a bit, then proceed to bite me like she was royally pissed off at me. (Like Mama has any control over when her teeth come in!) And the anticipation of that bite made me a nervous nurser. I think babies can sense fear. But really, any sane person would be fearful of being bitten in a sensitive spot. It hurts! . . . NOT a fun time at Club LG.

But again, I know this party won't last forever. She's my last baby. My last little nursling. Breastfeeding hasn't always been easy (and still isn't always easy!), but I'm glad we have that special bond and special time together in the wee hours of the night when everyone else in the house is asleep. I like to think of it as our exclusive club, and really, it is.

Welcome to Club LG. I'm the bartender and only breastmilk is served (ID required).

Please note: Maximum occupancy at Club LG is limited to two.