Three years, three months. That’s how long my body supported another life either through pregnancy or breastfeeding (first Megan and then Daniel).
But now it’s over. Daniel hasn’t nursed in several days. I’m sad because breastfeeding can be so sweet.
However, it was NOT an easy thing for me. (Click here to read my first post about my saga and here for the update.) Shortly after my update two months ago where I was again pumping day and night and taking herbal supplements to increase my milk supply, I realized it wasn’t going to work, it was too much to do those things and try to breastfeed a baby who was simply too inefficient at breastfeeding to get enough.
So I dropped the pumping and then a bit later the herbal supplements and was just breastfeeding a few times a day and giving bottles the rest of the time.
And my already content, cute baby became my super happy, super chubby baby! (He’s still packing on about a pound a week – at this rate he’ll catch up with his sisters in a couple months!)
I knew we were on the road to complete weaning and that was OK. I cried a few bitter sweet tears – I wish breastfeeding would have worked out for Daniel and I bit (or a lot) longer, but I know I did all I could and though the result isn’t my ideal, it is a very good option and one I’m glad to have.
Now he hasn’t breastfed in several days, and my body feels different. Not pregnant. Not breastfeeding. Sort of more my own. (Except for the three kiddos who expect things all day long!)
I still get many hours and minutes every day cuddled into my rocking chair with my sweet baby boy while he eats and I have more time for reading to my girls and playing outside and watching Daniel learn to crawl.
Life is good.
PS. Here’s a summary of my breastfeeding each of my three kids (or just one more way each child is unique):
March 2005 – Kate is born and I breastfeed for two and half weeks before switching to formula. Kate survives, even thrives.
December 2006 – Megan is born and I try again, get better help and breastfeed her for 17 months.
October 2008 – Daniel is born and we again work at breastfeeding – even seeing a breastfeeding specialist (like with Meg) – but only make it 7 1/2 months.
PPS I’m linking this to Beautiful Life and Hooked on Fridays.
I had a breast reduction at the age of 19… therefore all of my milk ducts were severed. I was only able to nurse each of my 3 children for 3-4 months. But at each feeding I nursed and then had to supplement with a bottle. I could only make about 1/4 of the milk supply they needed.
I felt terribly guilty and sad. But am so grateful for the little nursing they did.
I think you did awesome!
Good for you…it sounds like stopping was the only option, which is unfortunate. But he will be just fine – he needs your love more than your milk!
I know how special it is, thanks for sharing.
[...] Cleaning) 83. Robyn (my daisies) 84. laura @ the shorehouse 85. janmary (my irish back garden) 86. Abbie (feeding my baby) 87. Becky @ Farmgirl Paints 88. Elaine [...]
Hugs to you, Abbie. As I think about 18 weeks from now and to try to nurse another baby with bobs that don’t seem to cooperate, I feel your angst. It’s so hard. Especially for those of us who have to work extra hard to get it right. And then lug around that suck machine with us every where we go.
Hugs to you!
p.s. think of the freedom you have, plus the satisfaction you have from knowing you tried and did the best you could.