When I did go back to work he could miss 2 nights of nursing and pick it right back up when I was home on the third night. Then I went back on the birth control pill and I think that was the one of the final nails in the proverbial coffin, as it can affect your supply. He’s just growing up and getting more curious and was even too distracted to nurse at bedtime anymore. If I wanted to nurse him I would have to turn off ALL the lights, hide his heater and almost ‘trick’ him into nursing. It took him a bit of convincing but once he focused and latched, away he went and I know he always enjoyed it.
Ugh, I promised myself I wouldn’t cry but the sting of hot tears is burning my eyes and my throat is tightening with sadness. He’s not a baby anymore. It feels like that is the last bit of baby he has left and it was hard to let go. I keep second guessing myself that maybe I should “try harder” and get him to nurse at bedtime again, it’s only been 3 days since we stopped…but it can’t go on forever, nor do I want it to. Again, I am so so thankful that he ended it on his terms. I offered him to nurse 3 nights ago, he played a bit and tried, and I looked at him and I said, “this is the end of it for us, isn’t it? That’s okay.” I get myself back, though I never ever minded sharing with Ethan for the amazing benefits that breastfeeding provide both him and me. I made it through a good chunk of cold and flu season, which I really wanted to do. He’s my second baby to never need a drop of formula and for that I am also grateful and proud of, and I’m allowed to be.
That was one of our first times breastfeeding, and I pray that all moms-to-be out there get the chance to share this amazing journey with their babies. It’s one of the things about motherhood that I’ve enjoyed the most and that I’m most proud of.
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[…] Last week we ended our breastfeeding journey […]
your post just made me cry because I was thinking that someday my little boy will be done breastfeeding. He is only 7 months old and I always get asked how long I will BF for. And I usually just say "until he is ready". Way to go Sarah on breastfeeding.
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[…] off the day blogging about yesterday’s post, the end of my breastfeeding journey with […]
Congratulations on making it 14 months. I breast fed our oldest till he was 12 months old and hope and plan on doing the same with our current 6 month old. Not only is breast feeding convenient and cheap, I too love the bonding.
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Thank you so much, Val! With Braden I made it a week past 1 year and he was done…and so was I!
Funny you should post this and it has been 4 days. Guess what? I think Noah is done nursing too…he last nursed at bedtime 4 days ago too. And it really truly hit me tonight that it's done. So strange that after all this time trying to wean him I'm feeling a big sad about it. I mean I was ready but even still. Tonight he just asked me to lay down with him….love that he wants to cuddle though. He is such a cuddle bug. Oddly enough what seemed to wean him completly was taking away his cup of… Read more »
I know! Noah weaning made Ethan weaning seem like peanuts! He has years on him!! What a great gift you gave to Noah and I'm happy for you that he's weaned and now you have some great advice to pass on with the timer trick to other moms weaning toddlers!
I breastfed dd for 23 months and stopped because she wanted to. It was VERY bittersweet, but gentle at the same time. I hope my experience with Baby #2 is the same.
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that is so amazing! Best of luck with baby #2!
amazing job, momma. Well done.
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Thank you, Katie!
I've only been nursing in the mornings…but if my husband gets up with parker than she doesn't nurse at all. Strangely, i don't feel emotional about ending it…i think she could take it or leave it…I feel like i'm still nursing just for the immunity benefit through the winter…but I think i'm pretty over it. is that weird?
Hey sarah, i just finished breastfeeding a few days ago as well. It was more my terms than hers but i felt like it was time. I feel sad we dont get our special time anymore but im also happy i made it just shy of a year. I took almost 4000 domperidone tablets over the last almost year to breastfeed ( each one was worth it) but im happy to be done with that. I think we both deserve a pat on the back! 🙂
Yeah that's a lot of meds to have taken – you did wonderful, Laura – congrats!
Amazing journey I am sure. Good job mama
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Thank you, Censie!
There are times I wish Graham was done – he is getting more and more distracted, but he always comes back 😛 Huge congrats on making it 14 months Sarah.
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Thank you, Alisha. I was sorta hoping to make it to 18 months or at least through winter, but it is what it is and I can't 'force' him. Oh well, I'm happy we made it this far!
Some of the most loveliest moments were those that I've had breastfeeding the babes. Congrats! You've made it a wonderful, long way!!
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congrats on making it so far! And yes it is so bittersweet when it ends….it is OK to cry! But before you know it, new routines and ways to bond will emerge. Way to go!
Thank you, Jen – that means a lot to me! Hug! 🙂
Congratulations on making it that far, Sarah! Aubrey and I made it to 21 months and it was the most amazing experience, one that I hope some day that I can experience again. Great job!
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Thank you, Sarah. I'm a bit sad we didn't make it to 18 months like I'd "lightly" hoped…but I'm truly more thankful that it was a natural process and we didn't have to fight about it. Congrats!