Forty Seven months! I’ve breast fed my three boys for a total of forty seven months. My body nourished them, and provided them with antibodies and care unparalleled to any vitamins, supplements, or medicine available. I’m forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to do so. It wasn’t easy though and it definitely didn’t come “naturally” like we’re often told. But I stuck it out and after a few nips, bites and excruciating pain, my boys and I figured it out. They latched and I healed. It’s what I wanted for them and luckily, it’s what I was able to provide for them, doing so for over a year with each kid.
I’m grateful for the experience and I know how lucky I am to have been able to do so. Not to mention, breastfeeding is in a lot of ways easier and quicker than bottle feeding and definitely cheaper.
But this week marks the end of the breastfeeding era for me. I’m weaning off my 14+ month old son Nate and honestly, I couldn’t be happier about it. I’m sure that this isn’t a popular choice, but I figured that if I’m happy to be done with breastfeeding, I’m sure other moms feel the same.
I’ve heard so many moms speak lovingly about their time breastfeeding their kids. How it was a great way to bond with their child and how they plan on breastfeeding their child into toddler-hood and beyond. I honestly think that’s amazing, but it’s just not my experience.
I never felt a bond with my kids while I breast fed. I bond with my boys by playing with them and giving them constant hugs and kisses throughout the day. I’m also lucky in that they’re all big snugglers and are typical “mama boys” in that they always want to be held. That’s how I bond with my boys. Breastfeeding time was quiet time for me. It allowed me a few minutes to myself to read, check my phone or just sit without having to rush to do or get something. It was more about me than my kids other than the fact that they needed to eat and I was their food supply. Not to mention, Nathan used me as his pacifier. He is the only one of our boys who refused a pacifier so instead, he opted for my breasts. I fed on demand, so that meant he was on constantly, whether or not he actually wanted to eat. Coincidentally, within the second day of weaning him off, he slept through the night… FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!!
I’m looking forward to the next chapter. I’m looking forward to getting my boobs back for myself! I’m looking forward to being able to get away without the kids as they no longer rely on me for food. AND, I’m looking forward to have my breasts go back to their previous shape and size. Haha, who am I kidding. I know I’m just dreaming, that won’t happen.
So what about you? Were you happy or sad to know you’re done breast feeding for good?
Made me chuckle. I never did just boob for any of my kids. They got formula and bottles just as much as boob and for us it seemed to work. Like you mentioned I love the ease of breastfeeding, especially at night time when I dont have to get up. I figure in the next year I will stop but since they easily go between boob and bottle I have never actually been stuck to them. Good for you for sticking with it for so long xoxox
holy smokes, you need a double medal for those 47 months! I only managed 3 months, if that, so guilt allowed on your part, or mine 🙂
Way to go Mama!!!
I loved breast feeding it was so convenient, always the right temperature, no bottles to clean and sterilise always ready, no getting up to mix a bottle in the middle of the night, so much easier than feeding formula I always found.
Way to go! I was an extended/tandem nursing mama for both my girls. It stated with the birth of my DD9 in June 2006 and continued until December 2013 – 7 years and 6 months of continuous BFing when DD6 was 4.
Wow. That’s amazing. Go mama
I never breastfed and sometimes I do regret it, but all is good and it was my decision!! you have a wonderful family love your picture!!