Yup, that’s what I did. Well, technically 14 months and three days if you’re really counting. And yup, this really is a post about breastfeeding, so feel free to skip it (you know, if you’re my brother for example). I never thought I’d be writing about it. But I actually get a lot of questions on the subject. And since I blather on about other random things (like cloth diapering) and this blog is really just a way for us to remember things that we might otherwise forget (like paint colors and vacation happenings), I figure that something I did for so long (around 425 days straight) deserved a post about the range of emotions that it elicited. So here we go.
My first emotion: grateful. I was just so thankful it worked. I was acutely aware that some moms try extremely hard but it’s just not possible. I was also pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t as painful as I expected. I’d heard a lot about cracked and bleeding nipples (yes I just typed that) but thanks to genetics or a good latch (or some other random happening) I didn’t really have much pain at all (in the interest of TMI, I also never had sore boobs while prego, so maybe those things go hand in hand?). And I know the whole lack of pain thing might make you want to punch me (it annoys the heck out of my BFF) but I had a pretty frightening birth experience so I guess it’s always something (and not always the same thing) that throws you for a loop as a new mom.
Speaking of the whole birth thing, I was initially really stressed about Clara “taking” to breastfeeding because, due to our complications, I couldn’t nurse her until eight whole hours after she came into this world. I heard trying as soon as possible was the way to go, and I guess the whole scary birth experience had me fearing the worst (there was no baby-on-my-chest-to-snuggle-and-nurse-right-away occurrance, which is definitely what I pictured). But the sweet nurses pretty much just said to give it a try and it was miraculous. Clara got it right away. Such a relief.
As far as emotions go, after “grateful” and “pleasantly surprised” I moved into “exhausted and overwhelmed” territory. Clara was blissfully sleeping for 12 hours each night pretty much from the beginning, waking up for just one or two feedings most of the time (after we got the ok from the doc to let her sleep instead of waking her up to feed every 3 hours since she was steadily gaining weight).
But that meant that during the day she was feeding every two hours like clockwork (I fed her on demand, and at almost exact two hour intervals she screamed and wasn’t happy til she was nursing). So I really couldn’t get much done without having to stop and feed her. Which I actually loved for the bonding and the sweetness and the self-imposed break that it gave me from housework, blogging, and all that other stuff – but it was definitely exhausting and sort of all-encompassing in those bleary I-have-a-newborn months. I always joke that she let me rest at night, but during the day she made me work for it.
And when we went on a week-long family vacation when Clara was just six weeks old I remember sitting upstairs alone with Clara feeding her in a bedroom while everyone else was downstairs having fun together and thinking “I’m going to have to excuse myself and do this about eight times a day while everyone else hangs out – which adds up to 56 feedings that I’ll be doing over the next seven days.” That’s an overwhelming thought. At least it was to me. It was times like this that I actually wished feeding in public (or at least in front of your extended family) was more widely accepted. I tried to use a nursing cover but Clara wouldn’t have it. So up in my room I sat (with occasional visits from John who sweetly recognized that I’d rather be with the group and dropped in to keep us company). Back in these days feedings were pretty slow going (around 15-20 minutes per side for a total of 30-40 minutes spent sequestered). But we still managed to fit in some fun in the sun (or shade since she was so tiny).
I should mention that 1) pumping didn’t agree with me and 2) Clara never took to bottles (or pacifiers for that matter). You win some and you lose some. So every time she fed for the past 14 months it was directly from the source. Which was ok with me since pumping just didn’t work out and thankfully I have a job that allows me to be home with her. But it’s definitely sort of crazy as a concept because for over a year I was never away from my daughter for more than an hour or two. Ever.
But with a face like this, I was ok with that:
Around three months in I really got into the groove though. That’s where I’d characterize my feelings as “content and accepting.” I was happy to still be able to breastfeed and glad that it seemed to suit Clara. She seemed to enjoy it and I knew how to do it effectively and easily enough (in a parked car? check. in a dressing room? check). I even managed to sneak in a taping for the Nate Berkus show, nursing Clara in the green room right before we went on and right after (thankfully it was only a two hour process – or we might have heard her screaming for another feeding from on stage).
I guess I had adapted more to it, and it didn’t feel like as big of a job after I got into the swing of things. And by about 6-8 months old Clara had become a lot more efficient, so feedings were only about 15 minutes total (and sometimes even ten). Interestingly enough, the introduction of solid food at six months old (which Clara loved from day one) didn’t have any bearing on her nursing. She still wanted just as much, just as often. And I was secretly kind of relieved because I worried a bit about my production slowing or even stopping if she suddenly dropped a ton of feedings. But that was not the case.
Up until Clara turned ten months old I was still feeding her every two hours during the day at her insistence (screaming until I nursed her = her insistence). That’s right, for ten months (that’s 300 days) I nursed Clara every two hours (except during the night). I was ok with it, and my doc was ok with it, but I heard from friends that only going two hours between feedings at that age was reallllly often (as in all of my friends were only feeding every 4-5 hours or so at that age). My doc explained that it made sense since Clara was such an unusually solid night sleeper (she segued from waking up for 1-2 feedings in her 12 hour span of night sleep to not waking up at all around 2.5 months in – I know, we’re insanely blessed to have gotten such uninterrupted sleep for such a long block of time). But it did mean not-as-long daytime naps and a whole lot of frequent feedings to “tank up” during her waking hours in exchange for such an awesome night’s sleep. Heck, I’ll take it.
Blissfully, after turning ten months old Clara started stretching her feedings to every three hours, which felt amazing. It’s funny how an extra hour feels like all the freedom in the world. It’s all relative I guess. At this point I was coming into the whole “I love breastfeeding” phenomenon. I still felt grateful to be able to do it, Clara was a thriving happy girl, it was saving us money, it gave me a moment to step away from the computer/paint brush/hammer and connect with the bean, and it helped me get back into my old clothes (even though I don’t think I’ll ever have my pre-baby body again, it’s fine with me because Clara’s so worth it). I should add that I’m a breastfeeding enthusiast when it comes to me and Clara, but I don’t judge anyone else when it comes to what they choose for their family. Whatever works for you & your ducklings = my mantra as a parent in general.
The next speed bump that we encountered was when Clara turned a year old we introduced organic whole milk. The problem? Clara wouldn’t drink it. She still wouldn’t really take a bottle so our doc recommended trying a sippy cup. It worked for water, but she refused to drink milk (and we tried about ten million different sippy cup varieties, tried slightly heating the milk, tried watering it down or mixing it with breast milk, etc). This is when I started fearing that she’d be 21 years old and still addicted to breastfeeding.
Next we tried almond milk at our doc’s advice, and she went for it (we think the thinner consistency seemed closer to breast milk so she was down). And slowly we mixed almond milk with whole organic milk and she made the transition to 100% whole organic milk at around 13 months. Yup, it took nearly a whole month to get her on board with it. She’s stubborn like her momma. Haha. Shockingly, that’s when her feedings dropped waaay down. From around five times a day to just two – once before bed and once in the morning. Which made me feel excited and free but sort of oddly sad at the same time. “My baby’s growing up, and she needs me less” was sort of how I felt. I know that’s not really true, but it’s the best way I can describe the feeling.
By 13 months and three weeks she just wanted a feeding in the morning when she woke up. Clara has always been the boss of this whole breastfeeding thing (since we opted to just do the “on demand” thing from day one), so who am I to argue with the girl? Just one morning feeding opened up a whole new world of evening fun for me and John thanks to his parents offering to babysit (we could see a movie or go out to dinner without Clara after over a year of not partaking in those activities – amazing!). Of course I thought about her the whole time we were out, but I guess that’s to be expected (picture me saying “I wonder what Clara’s doing right now” every ten minutes during our first movie together in over a year).
Two weeks later Clara wasn’t even interested in her morning feeding. Which was sad because that’s the one where we lie down next to each other and relax together. I know I sound crazy, but it was such a sweet way to start the day. To anyone who has yet to try it, nursing on your side while laying down = awesometown (they taught me that move at the hospital thanks to the whole c-section thing). And now it’s over. So my current feelings are sad (because I’ll miss it) but proud (because I can’t believe I breastfed for over 14 months) and grateful (because I know being able to nurse that long or even at all definitely isn’t a given).
So that’s my breastfeeding journey. Off to cry now (and I can’t even blame breastfeeding hormones for the tears). I know, I know, someone with a nickname that won’t stick like $herdog shouldn’t be such a wuss. But it was an awesome/exhausting/amazing/tiring/surprising journey that I’m grateful to have experienced. Love you baby girl. Even if you’re over me my boobs.
janie says
Gawd I’m jealous. I know it’s bittersweet that she weaned before you were ready for her to, but to wean with no conflict between you, at her own pace and yet before you were fed up with it – what a gift.
Kari says
Does your decision to ween her off breastfeeding mean that you are trying for another little one? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Due to those birth complications with Clara my doc wants me to wait another year to get prego, so our beans will be around 3 years apart. It’s all good though! I’m happy to enjoy Clara for a little while longer!
xo,
s
Cristy says
Congrats! That is an awesome accomplishment! My youngest is 17 months old and our last nursing was Christmas morning. I’ll throw in my unsolicited 2 cents, but for the future bambinos, don’t worry if it goes differently (I’m speaking about breastfeeding, but really that applies to every single aspect of parenting)… I’ve had 3 chicas… the first nursed for 2 months and was below 10% at her checkup and I made the tough choice to stop, my second made it for 9 months, the third for 10 months. All were very different experiences, but all good and wonderful!
Erica says
Congrats! That’s quite a feat. I was happy to make it to 6 months. Not an easy thing at all.
Suzannah says
Sherry – thanks for sharing this story. I’m due with our first next week and this is a touchy topic for me. I had a reduction surgery ten years ago and then had to suppress lactation when I birthed my first child because I placed her for adoption, so there are some complications to be anticipated with the bf process for me.
In any case, you’re encouraging to those of us who want to try and don’t know what the outcomes will be. Thank you!
Sarah says
Thank you for being so brave to consider adoption. I don’t know the details, but I think it is one of the most brave things a woman can do. Congrats on your new little one! Be proud of yourself for all your effort and just keep an open mind. If it works, great. If not, formula is good enough too. And remember to talk, talk, talk to anyone who will listen! Those pregnancy/birthing/nursing/new mom hormones are crazy!
Anne W says
Thanks so much for sharing this, Sherry! I’m 8 months into nursing our second child, and I was just telling my husband how much I love breastfeeding (especially while lying down/sleeping!!). congrats to you for doing it for 14 months! I’ll try not to be too bitter that Clara has always been such a great night-sleeper…
Christy B. says
Thanks for sharing your story. My baby is 11 months old, and still nurses every 3-4 hours, even through the night (I daydream of sleep, when I have the chance to dream). He has always nursed way more than he recommended amount, but I’ve never been worried about it. However, I’m starting to wonder how weaning him and transitioning him to whole milk will go. He has only taken a bottle twice in his life and I hated pumping, so much easier straight from the source. Anyway, back to my point, I’m glad to hear how your transition went, so I’m not completely lost when our turn comes around.
Rok says
I want to give you a shout out from someone who just quit. My kids latched immediately, but pumping at a law firm didn’t agree with me so I folded around month 4.
So congrats. For sticking with it and all. These comments seemed to represent your fellow marathoners (and those unable to run the race) but I think there are lots of us quitters too. Not that you are comparing, but I didn’t want you to think the curve was set by la leche league.
Meagan J says
Thank you for sharing your story! I breastfeed and pumped for one year-to the day (June 16th)! I was sad too, but ready to have my body back to myself. I will always fondly remember our nursing sessions (lying down-yes, it’s the best!).
We are on almond milk too. Is there a reason you stopped the almond milk and went to cow’s? Just wondering.
Congratulations again. It can be done!
YoungHouseLove says
We did a bunch of research and talked to the doc and decided organic cow’s milk was the right choice for us. But it’s definitely one of those personal choice things!
xo,
s
Pam says
Good for you! I did the same over 30 years ago, and then 25 years ago(my sons are 30 and 23), and I had a similar experience to yours–my babes nursed a lot, even longer than yours, actually, but gradually moved to longer times between nursings, and then weaned themselves at around the same time your bean did. Congrats on keeping at it!
Alyson says
I breastfed all seven of my babies. Every weaning experience was unique, but when baby #7 decided he didn’t need that morning feed anymore I really experienced that same combination of elation and sadness and I-can’t-believe-it’s-over-for-good.
Melanie says
I enjoyed reading that so much! Thanks for sharing. Girl, I’m way jealous that you were able to nurse. I had a heck of a time getting that to work. Oh well, maybe for the next one. You have a great voice in your writing. You and John. I always look forward to your updates.
Jess G says
Sniff Sniff..I’m completely crying – my son is 7 months and is really getting into food…not that he’s cutting back that much but I’m so afraid that he’ll just stop – at the same time, it is liberating but it makes me so sad that soon we won’t have this little bond…So impressed with your every 2 hour business! that’s amazing!!
Bethany says
I’m still nursing my 5 month old but still feel that sad sting from when my two older children weaned (and they’re 2 and 4). It’s bittersweet. It’s a wonderful thing to see your babies grow up but it’s such a special time (even when it’s painful and a little aggravating), it’s sad when it’s over.
Kalla says
Oh I so know how you feel. Those emotions of it being so demanding to “what it’s over!?” i breastfed my daughter for 11 months because she wouldn’t take a bottle at all… and it was every two hours. It was hard some days but totally worth it in the end. Now I am bf my 3 week old and its exciting!!! I don’t know but this time its just different. But she also takes a bottle so I have left her with daddy for a little. But congrats on that big milestone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Natalie says
I absolutely loved breast feeding (for the most part)! I only got to do it for 7 months with my first because I got pregnant again and my supply dwindled, and 7 months with my second because we moved in with my in-laws while our house was being built. (I did not want my active, large baby boy pulling off the cover in front of my father-in-law!) I totally agree with you that the laying on your side while nursing move rocks! It’s like you’re relaxing, yet being productive at the same time!!
Jenna says
I totally know how you feel! Congrats for being able to nurse for so long! I’m now nursing my third (she’s 8 months old), and I can so identify with all of your emotions. I think breastfeeding is such a gift. Even in the moments I want to call it quits (can I please leave for longer than a couple of hours?!), it’s really such an amazing thing.
april says
sherry, that is seriously awesome. thanks for sharing your experience. i breastfed my daughter for 10 months and had to stop b/c my milk supply just wasn’t there. i was pumping at work a lot and i think that was part of the problem. but i am so grateful for the time and bond we had from that. there is truly nothing like it. i remember crying the last time i nursed her. makes a momma feel kinda sad that our babies don’t need us in “that way” anymore :)
anyway, just wanted you to know you’re not alone in the weepy feelings about being done with breastfeeding. so glad it went well for you and clara. you guys deserved it :)
annie says
Congrats on 14 months of nursing and your bittersweet milestone of weaning :)! I remember having similar feelings. It was sad and poignant but also very liberating–for both me and my daughter–to make that transition.
Jessaca says
I needed this post today! I’m a working mamma, and my milk sadly is starting to dry up. I’ve done it all…fenugreek, night nursing, power pumping, nursing every hour! I’ve had to supplement at least a bottle a day during the week. We’ve made it to 5 months and 1 week. I’m hoping we can at least make it to 6 months. You should feel so proud you gave your daughter such a beautiful start to life. I know that when it’s time for me to let it go, I’ll be sad. I’ve enjoyed snuggling my little Vincent when it’s time for him to eat.
karen says
That was a touching post.
Thanks for acknowledging that some moms try extremely hard but it’s just not possible. With my son I insisted on BF and no formula…but day 5 came around and my son was loosing weight in a very bad way. He had a bad latch to begin with but i never gave up. I even tried pumping to try to help it along and not even an ounce!! I was so so disappointed…but most of all I was so mad at myself for basically starving my son for the first week of his life!!
I thought for sure with my second baby i would have more milk but sadly I was wrong. She even had a great latch and sucked hard…but it was never enough. I tried pumping and would only get less than 1 ounce from each breast…and this was in the third month. so sad and frustrating…i even tried 2 kinds of herbal pills to help milk production.
Aliesha says
This post made me cry! My baby girl is 11 months old and I’m still breastfeeding. I know it won’t last forever, though! Glad you had such a wonderful experience breastfeeding Clara. I know you will always treasure those memories!
Jaimie says
You know, I don’t have any babies now but I like posts like these because at some point I do want to have a baby, but not until we are in a position where I could stay at home for at least the first year so I wouldn’t have to worry about not being able to breastfeed or my baby getting sick at daycare and that sort of thing, and it’s nice to read about other people’s experiences and feel like when the time comes, I’ll be more prepared than I would be otherwise.
Lindsay says
This has nothing to do with your post BUT the chair at the end of this blog post is upholstered in your dining room curtain fabric!:
http://abodelove.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-saturday.html
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t that funny? Such a small world!
xo,
s
Kimberly says
Congratulations on breastfeeding for 14 months! I nursed my son for 17 months and my daughter for 16 months, it was one of the best decision I made for their health. Clara is so lucky to have such a carining Mommy.
Jill says
I could write ditto after EVERY paragraph of this post!! (well, except the complicated birth). Love that you wrote on this topic- good for you (and babe!)
I used to add up how many times and hours I’ve spent breastfeeding and its makes me whoosy thinking about it, but so worth it!
Beth says
Congrats! I know it is hard to be so needed for so long (I nursed both of my kids for two years or so each) but you will NEVER regret any of that time! I also remember sitting in a room nursing while my family was at the beach, but it’s just a blip in time and now they are big giant kiddos running around!
Take care and peace,
Beth
Skooks says
WTG Sherry! I breastfed both of my kids, and even with some challenges along the way it was GREAT. Congratulations. Neither of my kids were into bottles either.
Gara says
WOW!! I heart you Sherry!
My babygirl is going to be 1 on the 29th and I have nursed her the entire 12 months!!! She sounds JUST.LIKE.CLARA. No bottles, no pacifiers, same attitude when it comes to sippy cups (all mama, all the time). So, needless to say, I am anxious about what is about to happen to our “special time”.
She starts daycare soon and I have been soooooo worried about her not taking a sippy cup while there. I am so glad you shared your journey and what you’ve learned. It gives me such hope, even though I am sad about saying goodbye to our “awesometown” naps we take together.
Thank you so, so, so, so much. I am definitely going to try mixing some of my milk with almond milk before introducing the whole organic milk. YAY for breastfeeding!!!
nissa says
I had only just finished reading this article (and totally thought of you) when I visited your blog to see this post! Richmond’s Mayor Jones just enacted a Breastfeeding Commission.
http://thestir.cafemom.com/baby/123280/pioneering_mayor_starts_breastfeeding_commission
Way to go on bf’ing for 14 months and what a blessing that she decided to wean herself (so you didn’t have to make the tough decision yourself). I’m 9 months into bf’ing my little guy and going strong. Its the best!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so interesting! Thanks for the link!
xo,
s
britta says
Congrats, what a great post! My son nursed up to 15 months with a similar taper down pattern as Clara. We just finished a month ago… and it may have been more sad for me than him. I remember two strange things along the way: 1) he quit drinking my pumped milk at daycare sat about 9 months. Just refused any delivery device that wasn’t the boob. What a stubborn little guy. He decided that water in a silly cup would be okay until we reunited again. And then we were attached in the evenings to make up for it. 2) I couldn’t believe how frustrated I was with the leaking and the general messiness of the feeding due to my strong let down. Limited sleep + sticky milk everywhere makes for a really cranny momma. Thankfully that was the worst experience of the newborn months, and that’s not much to complain about.
If it makes you feel better, your hormones are still adjusting to not breastfeeding…. so blame them for at least two more months. :)
Laura says
Congrats for making it 14 months! Its a great accomplishment for a working mom. I went 9 months full time (nursing and pumping at work) then up to 13 months with morning and evening feedings. It’s a big commitment, but so worth it. Thanks for being an advocate for breastfeeding and not being shy about talking about it. I just hope our society learns to accept it more so that it will be easier for moms to feed their babies the way God intended. Yes–we nursing moms do leave the house!!
MaryBeth says
Thanks for that post! I have 17 month old twin boys that weaned at 14 months and I was sad too (they weaned along with my daughter who just turned 3 today). However, going from nursing 3 to none has it’s upsides. There is a sense of freedom that is nice to have back. Hang in there. Those sad feelings will fade quickly. Thanks again for the post.
thecounselormom says
Your story is just like mine and my daugher is 14 months old too!!! I was hooked reading every line in this post because I also have only breastfed my girl, staying at home with her and not needing to pump. My girl also HATES organic whole milk and have been mixing breastmilk with it but I think I will try your Almond Milk trick or buy 2% milk that is thinner. I am so happy for you that you have stuck it out for so long!! My complaint that I have that is different than your’s is that my girl STILL wakes up in the middle of the night to feed :( I wish she wouldn’t but we have tried everything- we did the Dr. Ferber method at 8 months and she goes to sleep by herself really well but it’s the middle of the night that I swear she will not go to back to sleep without it..sigh. Oh well.
Congrats again and loved reading your post!
MelissaG says
Congratulations! It is so rewarding on so many fronts. My sons went 16 mo, 2 years and 12 months with nursing. Same thing with no supplementing but we did use an occasional bottle of pumped milk. I’m sorry that you had people tell you that every 2 hours was extremely often. Everything you said sounded pretty much standard to me. Almost everyone I know goes around 2-3 hours.
Jessica says
Breastfeeding is such a fabulous thing. I nursed my daughter for about 26 months. We decided to do the on demand thing also. Our girl wouldn’t take a bottle either! But it does make for irreplaceable memories.
We still snuggle in the morning sometimes if she doesn’t have to get ready for school. Before she went to school, we would start our days just rocking and waking up together after she weaned. :)
Cathy says
Wow! That’s quite the accomplishment! Hopefully I can do that once we have kids.
Jennifer says
WOW!! I’m so impressed by the two of you, and this story! I’ve been spying on your blog here-and-there I think before my precious Davy was born in Feb., I stumbled across your precious blog for decorating ideas, and was tickled to find you guys are an adorable couple with a BABY! :) Is there any spot on your blog that you talk about how you MANAGE to DO all THAT YOU DO?!? I thought surely you weren’t a breastfeeding mother, because that takes up WAY too much time in my day, which is my excuse for why I don’t get a lot DONE! But, you just threw my EGO under the BUSS Girlfriend! MAN, how do you DO it all? Please comment on where I can read that on your blog, or please post that, cuz I’m baffled! I’m trying SO hard to find a routine that works for me. I want so badly for my house to be cute, dinners to be healthy, and baby to be happy & have lots of time with his mommy, and feel rested. P.S. I LOVE you guys are a 1 car family! We are too! :) You guys are AWESOME!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re so sweet Jennifer! I think a ton of it has to do with John. Since we both work from home along with taking care of Clara, we pretty much pinch hit with the bean. Meaning John watches her while I blog or clean or do projects or take photos and then I watch her while he does that stuff. We also try to take advantage of her naps and do as much as we both can when she’s dozing during the day (for those few pockets of time we’re double efficient since we can both work while Clara sleeps). And since she’s such a great night sleeper we also do a lot of stuff after her 7:15 bedtime (like the laundry room built-ins, spray painting projects, etc). We definitely don’t work traditional 9-5 hours (here I am working on comments at 11pm) but we try to stay flexible, do what we can, and stay organized with lists so we can prioritize what’s most important. So don’t beat yourself up if it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day! I always feel like that and I have John around to lean on!
xo,
s
Summer says
Jennifer,
Are you familiar with Money Saving Mom? She does a lot of coupon stuff, but if you’re just looking for organisation/time management/general frugality posts her lite feed is awesome http://moneysavingmom.com/ HTH
Summer
Jennifer says
Thank you Sherry for your sweet & helpful reply!! :) I’m a BIGGER fan even more. ;)
And thank you Summer, I will look that blog up! Trying to be organized in many areas, so thanks for pointing me towards another helpful direction!!
Ashley says
Good for you guys! So glad you had a peaceful weaning experience. I’m nursing my 2 year old in the morning, before nap, and at bedtime and my 2 month old every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Sure is exhausting but so worth it! Laying down nursing is the best, don’t know how I’d do it through the night otherwise!
Sarah says
Breastfeeding really is the best. I miss it so much. I know you’ll miss it (possibly forever), but soon those sad feelings will pass and it will become a very pleasant memory. Your little girl’s growing up!
Congratulations on 14 months!!!!!
Kara says
You are a rockstar for nursing to 14 months! In the US, the rate of women still nursing their babies at all at six months is abysmal…less than 15%. So anyone who can make it past that in our society with breastfeeding being such a lost art, is dedicated. And think how much of your risk for getting breast cancer just dropped! Bonus. My 16 month-old still nurses once or twice a day, usually when I get home from work and either at night or in the morning. I did the same with his sister until she turned two…I always wondered what it would be like if she self-weaned but she needed a little more encouragement from me.
SYD says
I have got to tell you–Clara is the most adorable baby girl I’ve seen in a long time. She’s a beauty and photogenic!
Although I haven’t had a chance to experience the adventures of motherhood, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post on yours.
Loved reading your post!
Destiny says
What a beautiful and sweet post. I love, and appreciate, that you share all (many) aspects of your life with us. There are lots of things that we can learn from each other if we’ll share and you do it in such a nice way.
Miss Clara is just the cutest. I can’t imagine her “insisting!” You must post a crying, cranky, picture of her as proof. I bet even it would be adorable!
YoungHouseLove says
Check her out in the photostrip in this post. She’s crying in every frame.
https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/07/our-4nniversary/
Poor girl!
xo,
s
Lindsay says
Awwww…this just made me sad. I just stopped nursing this week (at 9 months). Even though I haven’t been an exclusive nurser since month two (low supply since the beghinning), I have still loved the few sessions that I did per day. I acutually just gave away my boppy today. Boo. p.s Wait until it’s your last time nursing. Ever. Weaning was much harder this time than when I weaned my other daughter.
Good job though! You did awesome!! You should be very proud!
Jill says
Breastfeeding is the bomb dot com! I breastfed both my kiddos for 13+ months and loved every minute of it (well I guess I didn’t love that extreme pain during week 1). God blessed with me with an abundunt milk supply so I even donated milk both times. Like you, I really grew to love that “forced break” and 1:1 time every couple hours or so, especially with my 2nd! Also, my 1st HATED whole milk, we tried mixing it with everything, finally we found that water worked… and did the whole transition thing like you… kids are so weird sometimes!
Kristin @ Chi-Chi Studio says
First of all, thank you for sharing! I nursed my little boy for the same exact amount of time, and I loved (almost) every minute of it! I miss those sweet and special moments (Jackson is 17 months) and I’m happy you got to experience them too!
Becky says
I am a NICU nurse, and everyday I see brave and patient mothers (and fathers), sitting at their baby’s incubator for days, weeks or hundreds of days. EBM or formula, bottle or breast, whatever gets ‘little beans’ growing into ‘big beans’ is a wonderful thing.
Sarah says
Thanks for the post. I’ve been breastfeeding my daughter for 11 months 1 day now!! She’s not showing any signs of slowing down. I have the a different experience that you had. My daughter wakes up 3+ times a night, but only nurses 2-4 times during the day. And I nurse on demand. There have been times I try to offer to nurse her, but she won’t unless she’s hungry. I have people telling me that my daughter should not be waking up that much during the night (which I hate them telling me that because it makes it seem like it’s my fault).
Kelly says
It’s wonderful that you not only shared your story of breastfeeding with your readers but that the reader comments are so amazingly supportive. You really do have some of the best readers on the web!
My own experience has been similar with my 4 children, though they didn’t sleep through the night at all (and yes I’m still recovering from the sleep deprivation), and I cherish those memories.
cara says
I bet you seriously have bajillions of people who want to be besties with you :D, and this is said with the intentions of being in the least-creepiest category :D — but this post totally has me gushing can-we-be-friend-vibes :D I’m the one who emailed you earlier about my preemie baby born at 26 weeks, and your birth story was like the (good) chink in the wall I had surrounding my birth experience (which was fantastic, as far as those go, minus the whole uber-early part) — But you’re the only person so far who’s written about this phenomenal breastfeeding experience that hasn’t made me cry :D Um, that should be a compliment :D — I’d been able to keep up pumping while Zoe was in the NICU, but my supply was always low, and she had been limited by the neonatologists with how often she could nurse (after her health allowed her to try after she was a little over 2.5 months old). Zoe’s been home for about 2 months now, and while I thought the time together would do wonders for my supply, my body had different ideas, particularly when Zoe had doctors’ orders to receive formula for x feedings (because of her low weight still) and we were up with her around the clock on her feeding schedule. My friends tell me not to feel guilt, and I’m slowly learning to shake it — But I really heart your mantra. At first I thought I’d hate your post, bc often when I’m on these baby boards, the breastfeeding moms make me feel so inadequate and like a terrible person. And you didn’t — so I genuinely want to say cheers to you, I know that must have been tough in the beginning/the-whole-2-hours-time too :), YEA! And you definitely deserve some celebrating :)!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw Cara, you’re so sweet! I think about you and Zoe all the time! So glad to hear you guys are home together!
xo,
s