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.
Libby E. says
Congrats!
I’m sure that the last feeding was such a bittersweet time for you. (((HUGS))).
I am currently on 26months of nursing with my second babe, and am not looking forward to the end.
Elise says
After about a year of saying “what’s that really cool blog called again..” I officially starting following you all. I look forward to my email updates and it’s always fun to see your projects carry out!! I loved reading about your breatfeeding journey, congratulations!! Mine was 12 months, and I enjoyed every minute. My little Noah is about to be 6, and every time he’s laying in my arms it takes me back..tear :)
madi says
congratulations! I just weaned my 12 month old daughter last week (since I’m now expecting #2). A very bittersweet experience. She didn’t take bottles/pumping didn’t work for me either, so I get how intense the relationship is, and how significant the transition!
All the best with the new adventures you’ll have together <3
Erin N. says
I’m kid free, (I do love them, though) and just wanted to voice my support for you breastfeeding moms. I have to admit, I got a little indignant when I heard you were spending time away from your fam. to BF Clara. That’s a bummer. Hopefully pro-bf movements like LLL will help moms be able to take care of their kids in public.
Caitlin in MD says
I loved this post. My son will be 1 on August 6 and breastfeeding has been my #1 favorite part of having a baby. It was a bit rocky the first couple weeks, but we got in a groove relatively quicky, and from then on it was such an awesome experience. There is something very primal and gratifying about nourishing your baby from your own body. He is just about weaned now – down to one nursing, right after dinner, and taking some whole milk – and I am both excited and sad. Excited to get my body back and be able to address some pregnancy/childbirth-related health issues that had to wait until I was no longer breastfeeding…but sad because my little guy is growing up so quickly. Congratulations to you and Clara! (And John, too, because a supportive husband can make all the difference in having a successful and happy breastfeeding experience!)
erin says
I’m a mom to a 3 mo old. I work from home, like you. And also like you (were) I am a writer at an ad agency. You know how the crazy deadline, pressure to be at the top of your game thing goes. I’m hoping breast feeding and pumping will work out for me at least until 6 mo. Stress cannot be good for supply, so I’m trying to be as positive as possible!
Two questions for ya:
1. Do you love your pediatrician? We’re in Westover Hills and currently take our son to a practice at Henrico Doctor’s. We’re looking for someone closer.
2. Can you recommend a good nursing cover?
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
We really like our doc! But he’s actually right near Henrico Doctor’s (since Clara was born at Henrico Doctor’s and we wanted a Ped. who had privileges there – which ended up being really helpful since we had so many problems right away and he could come see us there and explain everything). As for a nursing cover, Clara wouldn’t go for it (she liked to look up into my face- nothing could be between us) but there are pretty ones at Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby. I borrowed one from my sister in law just to see how it would go and it never worked out with the bean so I’m glad I didn’t buy one! Maybe see if someone you know has one you can borrow or try using a thin swaddle blanket to see if that’ll fly?
xo,
s
Jessica says
Hi Erin,
I also live in Westover Hills and have a 3 month old. We use Chippenham Pediatrics on Jahnke Road. We really love them! It’s only about 10 minutes away! Hope this helps!
Deanna Divino says
Sherry, I love the stories about paint, laundry rooms, dying chair cushion, ect. I really loved this post. Congrats to you for your dedication to Clara and breastfeeding. I hope many many people read this. You displayed it so beautifully!
N.O says
So inspiring!
Although I breastfed for only 5 months, and my daughter quit cold turkey, I can really identify with your journy, especially the emotions around the end.
and BTW – where did you get the beautiful colorful overalls from the last photo?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s actually a dress we picked up at the Carter’s Outlet on sale for $3 a few months ago. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Stephanie says
Thanks so much for sharing!!
I am on baby #4 and have been pregnant or breastfeeding (or both!) for 8 years now!!! I love it.
My first was very difficult, ironically because I had too much milk. My body would POUR milk out when ever she nursed so it was impossible to do it anywhere but in private. Nursing pads did nothing. I remember that feeling of being so isolated!
But with baby #2(and everyone afterward) I made it my goal to nurse in public comfortably. I never used a cover, but I was always careful not to expose boob (although a Victoria’s secrets add shows more than I ever did! :)) And it made nursing so much more enjoyable and less isolating!
I’m so impressed with all the ladies sharing the stories of persistence in breastfeeding!
And Sherry thank you for contributing to the normalization of breastfeeding in the US!!
Rebecca says
I too love this post and share similar stories with some of the commentors. I was one of those people that thought that there was no reason why everyone can’t breastfeed. Boy was I wrong, it is the hard thing I have ever done. My birth experience didn’t go as planned but wasn’t traumatic (I was induced after my blood pressure spiked at 39 weeks), but Eloise was immediately admitted to the NICU with breathing problems (she was born with Chylothorax, very uncommon) that didn’t allow her to breastfeed or take breast milk although I pumped and stored milk. She was released from the hospital at 2.5 weeks but was not released to breastfeed until 6 weeks. She latched well and we thought things were going well until we found out a week later that she had lost weight. After multiple visits to lactation consultants and doctors her tongue was clipped and few days later started to feed better, but my supply had taken a horrible dip from not pumping as much as I should have after she came home from the hospital and the week she was exclusively breastfeeding but not eating enough. She is 3 months old today. We are still breastfeeding but I am back to work now and not pumping enough during the day for her. Some days she eats really well from the breast and some days she doesn’t, I’m still waiting for it to click for both of us. She gets 4-12 oz of formula a day, I really hope we can wean off any formula one day.
I really wish the organic, whole foods community provided more options for people who are not able to breastfeed successfully.
Cassity @ Remodelaholic says
You are probably totally overwhelmed with comments but I just love this article. I too breastfed for over a year, actually 16 months (not a single bottle-or night out!) and I LOVED it. Was sad but excitingly free what it was over.
Right now I am feeding baby 2, and I love it again. It is a little harder with all the demands of child 1 at the same time, but so worth it!
Congratulations! On a job well done, you will never regret it even though it can sometimes be hard!
Brynea says
As a labor and deliver nurse, future midwife, and HUGE breastfeeding advocate I commend you for sticking with it. You did it well and did it the right way…let them dictate the feedings. Our bodies were made to do this and produce the right nutrients and amounts at different stages in their growth…which is pretty cool I think. I know it doesn’t always work for everyone (my sister and I never took to breastfeeding though our mom tried) and that is ok. Just being a mom that takes the time to truly bond with your child is the most more important than anything else. I can’t wait to have my own!
Allison says
I don’t even have a baby — not anywhere close to having a baby actually, but found this post fascinating. I like the “feed on demand” thing and letting the babe dictate when enough is enough instead of the parents picking an arbitrary date and denying breastfeeding after that point. So thanks for sharing your story!
Brandan WH says
What a wonderful experience! I also nursed my daughter for about 14 months but I supplemented with formula since from 6 months because she was in day care and pumping is not as efficient as a baby nursning (who knew!). I had expected to be done with nursring by her year birthday but it longer than I expected to transition her to 100% whole mik, so we had to go the slow and easy route. 90% formula, 10% whole milk; 85% formula, 15% whole milk and on and on.
I also feel quite fortunate to have been able to nurse. My sister was not able to do it for either of her 2 kids and it really bothered her. When I was pregnant, I told myself that if it doesn’t work out, I won’t beat myself up and have myself 3 month increments to give myself an “out” if I decided to stop. But, fortnately, after some fits and starts at the beginning, all was well in the world and for 14 months Ryan and I had some great times in her room staring at each other.
She’s now 21 months and her favorite words are “mine” and “no”, so I look back at when all I had to do was nurse with fondness!
Tiffany says
Wonderful post!! Brought back a ton of memories!! I also breastfed both my kids for 3+ years. Granted, some days it was once for just a few minutes strictly for comfort, but it was always nice to have that time together. I’ll miss that tiny little face looking up at mine with that look of “Mom ~ you’re the best!” and the little hand reaching up to touch my face. Almost makes me want to have another…almost!
Ami says
So nice to read this. I have three boys and breast fed all of them for a year, the last one for more than that (ok, almost 2-I know, shameful! but he was the baby and we had a big scare with him at 2 weeks old so I just couldn’t turn him away:)) I, too, felt so blessed that it really did happen so naturally. I was able to pump however, enough for a village of babies as a matter of a fact! So true that its bittersweet. That fine line between freedom and a little heartbreak that your baby is past that part of the baby stage. Blessings to all of you.
Kim says
Don’t know if the biting issue was already addressed, but when I was nursing, I read that if you gently push their head into your body, it makes them let go. It worked for my daughter.
YoungHouseLove says
Never heard of that tip (Clara just latched and drank) but there are a bunch of folks on here asking for advice on that so thanks for sharing!
xo,
s
Lindsey d. says
I wonder if people actually read your posts? I’ve read MULTIPLE comments about how you shouldn’t feel ashamed to breastfeed in public, but you clearly say that Clara didn’t like doing it under the nursing cover, not that you had a problem doing it among family. You are clearly a much better person than I, because I would have gotten very irritated very long ago.
Also, I’ve been reading your old bathroom reno posts in advance of starting the project myself (design decisions made, now in the making vanity/sink/tile purchases mode). Thanks for the inspiration. I keep telling myself, if John and Sherry can do it, I can do it with help from my dad and brother (who are experienced DIY-tilers) and my boyfriend, who brings the sheetrock experience. I bring the buying lunch and providing water experience. I also LOVE demo!
Susan/Project Balancing Act says
lol- I’m breastfeeding my daughter right now! I get lots done while feeding her little self, including blogging.
Katie says
This is a great post. I actually wrote my daughter a note upon her weaning just to tell her how emotional it was and what a great bonding experience it was for us. I never made it as long as you. I have to work outside the home and I just don’t respond as well to even the best pump available as I do to a baby. I end u with supply issues every kid (3 now). I even do the ‘ship in lactation supplement drugs from New Zealand’ thing and it works but they’re not cheap. So anyway, I can relate to almost all the emotions you describe except that instead of being grateful its working I am usually cursing my body that I can’t make enough to keep my babies happy. But I always keep going as long as humanly possible (well, short of me having a mental breakdown – its horribly frustrating pumping to only get a half ounce total when your child is 6 months old and wants 6 ounces per feeding… etc.) Anyway, I am so happy for you and proud of you for making it that far. Happy for you that it worked, appreciative that you appreciate how blessed you have been to hav had that ability/opportunity, and of course proud you made all the sacrifices you did to maintain such a schedule/life. Many people really have NO understanding of just how tied down exclusively breastfeeding can make a mother. I don’t mean that to be a negative but it can be very difficult at times as you know. Many just don’t get it. THose are usually the same people though who also don’t get why breastfeeding is worth the sacrifice of freedom for the time it lasts.
chris says
Hi Sherry! This comment has nothing to do with breastfeeding (though I will say Congrats and so wonderful to hear about this part of your life-thanks for sharing!). I wanted to tell you that yesterday in Pier 1 (I live in MA)I saw a ceramic dog, gray-ish white, standing up, maybe 2 ft. tall, very similar to yours that bit the dust a while back. Sigh. No clue the kind of dog it is. Knowing you and your followers you probably already know this, but sending you a note anyway. He’s maybe not thrift-store-cool (or priced), but if you had to have one….
Keep up the great work. chris
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip! He sounds cute.
xo,
s
Katie says
This is more of a logistical question–you mentioned that pumping didn’t work for you, but you said that you tried mixing cow’s milk and breastmilk when Clara was one…I’m just wondering how you did that without pumping? I don’t have kids yet, so I’m just being curious!
YoungHouseLove says
Pumping was incredibly painful for me and I produced nearly nothing (docs said Clara just got a lot more out of me than pumping did) but I did my best to pump about an ounce of breast milk (which took about 30 minutes) to mix in with an ounce of warm organic whole milk during that transition time in hopes of making it easier on Clara. Imagine my frustration when she wouldn’t take it at all! Oh well, I tried! And then we figured out the almond milk thing – whew.
xo,
s
Katie says
I would have been frustrated too!
Have you ever seen these? http://www.moboleez.com/
If the next one is like Clara, it might be a good alternative to covers, since the baby can still see you while nursing :)
YoungHouseLove says
Those might actually come in handy! If the next one will tolerate hats! Clara’s pretty good with them so you never know…
xo,
s
Brien says
Congratulations Mama! That is really an accomplishment. I am currently breastfeeding my 8.5 month old and already sad about the possibility of her weaning. I have had to supplement with formula because I am not able to pump as much at work as she needs while at daycare. At first I was pretty bummed I had to give her formula, but in the end, I know she is getting great nutrition and it has allowed for a little more freedom for me. Best of both worlds : )
Amber says
Love this post! My daughter will be 10 months next week. We are still chugging along although my supply is quickly tanking.
I’m fighting tooth and nail to keep it going because it works for both of us.
Also, I could pretty much have written this post exactly. It has always been easy for us with no pain etc.
Way to go mama!
angela says
great post! it took me back to my breastfeeding days. my babies are now 10 and 8 and i can still feel their little bodies up against my stomach… and i can still hear my sweet little 2 year old watch me nurse her brother, then take a plastic toy chicken, lift up her shirt and put the chicken to her bellybutton and saying “look mom, i’m feeding the chicken!”
sweet memories! xo
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah- hilarious!
xo,
s
Jess says
Wow! What an awesome post. My daughter is now 14months and I breastfed her until about 9 months. I think it was one of the most wonderful things I have done but also the hardest. Thanks for sharing your story: )
Tara says
Oh I am so jealous! My son will be two weeks old tomorrow and the nights have been quite trying. We are breastfeeding and it seems to be going well, except that around 11 or 12 pm, he has these manic eating session where he completely empties both sides and still wants more! We have a doctor’s appointment today and I’m hoping they can shed some light on the situation.
Thanks for the post! It’s comforting to know everybody has struggles with breastfeeding and every baby has their own routines. I may just go off to burn all the books that recommend a trying to set a schedule…
Chels says
Maybe this is too personal a question, but how do you still breastfeed when your baby has TEETH? Once my baby had a few, he was always latching on with them and it made me scared of feedings. Maybe some babies are just more gentle than others?
For anyone struggling with bottles, my baby only liked one specific type of nipple. After trying silicone and rubber in various shapes, I finally got him to bottlefeed agreeably.
We also did Enfamil formula during the “after breastfeeding but too early for cow’s milk” stage. They have a line specially for toddlers.
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, I think all babies are different! Clara was all business (latch, suck, done) but I can see if a baby with teeth started playing around… it could really hurt! There have been others mentioning some good teething tips though! A lot of which I’d never heard.
xo,
s
Tina says
Sweet post Sherry! I relate as my little 15 month old is down to just her AM only nurse and it is certainly a bittersweet time, no? I too feel so blessed to have been able to nurse my daughter. It does seem that for those of us with the shall-we-say traumatic birth stories, the fact that nursing is able to go well is such a blessing. I found it more bonding with my daughter than I ever imagined. Thanks for sharing your view:)
JZB says
Like everything you guys do, I am inspired and amazed! Great job, Sherry!
Kristin says
I can so relate right now! My daughter is 13 months old and we are down to just nursing first thing in the morning. I’m actually enjoying not having to do it during the day, but, like you, I find that nursing my girl is such a sweet way to start the day. I am so hesitant to give it up. I guess it feels like I’m holding on to E’s last bit of babyhood.
P.S. Somehow I onljust discovered your blog and have been going back and reading every single post. I love all your ideas and sill and style and DIY philosophy. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica says
Congrats on making it as long as you did. I’m 12 weeks into my breast feeding adventure, and like you, pumping is NOT my friend. Unfortunately, I work full time outside the home, so it’s a bit of a problem, but I’m thankful for every day I can get even a bit of breast milk into my son.
grace Nielsen says
How wonderful and glorious that you had this special connection and bond with your precious Clara; there’s really nothing else like it. I did with all of my three kids – for successively longer periods with each child. And you are SO right; it is a bittersweet feeling to be finished. I know just what you mean – you’re so happy you got to do it, and sad because it’s over… Universal Mommy-ing metaphor, I think, at many stages of the ‘game’…
Kristin says
P.S. Sorry for the horrible typos in the second paragraph…my daughter just hit the submit button for me a little early :)
Vivian says
My children have long been weaned, but your story just brought back so many sweet memories of those unique moments I had with each of them. And each of them was different, one I had to literally pull off the breast when his brother was born 18 months later (and yes, for a few weeks I nursed them both), the second was ready to let go at 9 months, and the last I won’t even say if you think 14 months is long! I, too, was extremely lucky to have breastfeeding be so natural for me. There was never any thought in my head that we would not nurse. When I look at each of them now, I know a huge part of me literally made them who they are. And the last one, who nursed longer than is considered normal, even outside the US, is healthy as a horse. I take credit for my breast milk having done it! And your daughter is honestly one of the cutest children EVER!
Britt@knewlywifed says
Wonderful post, and I especially love your mantra “Whatever works for you and your family”. I didn’t bf my bebe; I tried and we couldn’t get it to work for us. I feel heat from others about it sometimes, but you’ve got to do what works for your family! Kudos to you :)
Lori says
Great post, Sherry, and way to go!!
I BF my oldest for 1 year and my second for 15 months and loved it. It’s always freeing when you’re done and yet so hard to let it go.
Penny says
aw sherry this post was so sweet! Congratulations to you and Clara (and john! and burgs haha) you guys make me so excited to have little ones someday :)
Alyssa B says
You are awesome!
kelly says
I can see from all the comments that you’re getting lots of love, and I’ll pile on! thank you x 1000 for sharing- you don’t know how much it helps to hear from someone going through (and making it that long!) bf’ing. you guys are the best! keep it up!
Reese says
Great job!
I was surprised to see this post because it’s a bit of a coincidence. I’ve been working on a post for my blog about my own breastfeeding journey (though we’re not done yet), it was going to be posted last night but I realized it was going to be way to long for me to finish and still get to bed at a sane hour.
I had also had the idea of breastfeeding soon after birth and that didn’t happen for me either. I didn’t get to even try until Will was over a week old.
Anyway, thanks for this post, it’s very encouraging as I hope to breastfeed that long as well.
Sarakenobi says
there are days I wish that my 2.5 year old was weaned just like Clara but i know that I will miss it like crazy when it happens. he’s obsessed with nursing and still nurses to bed and for nap and usually in the morning. I am SO PROUD of you <3
Emily@Decorchick says
I was a 13 month and 2 week BF-er, and was pretty darn proud about that too. And I nursed Emma pretty much just like you did on demand, all day long. :) I wouldn’t have changed anything, and even getting flack from some family members which was very unfortunate. Emma has never even been sick and is the happiest and healthiest little girl, and I attribute that to nursing her for so long. Congrats to you–it’s a huge accomplishment!
Jenn says
Thank you for this post! It beautifully captures the emotions and joys of breastfeeding.
I exclusively breastfed my son until 6 months, when we introduced solids. From the get-go, he has nursed every two hours around the clock (yes, including at night!), even after starting solids.
As we approached the eight-month mark recently, I was crashing and burning from exhaustion, and finally decided to introduce formula so that my husband could do some night feedings. Now my little guy is starting to nurse less often and while I enjoy the extra freedom, it makes me so sad to think that our nursing relationship may be coming to an end soon! I am still hoping to make it to 12 months, but it’s really in my son’s hands now :)
Nursing has been one of the hardest and also most rewarding things I have ever done, and I feel soooo lucky to have experienced it. Congrats on you and Clara’s 14 months!!
Alisa says
I breastfed my daughter for 11 months, she was too busy to be bothered with it at that point!
My son on the other hand was a boob man! I breastfed him until he was 22 months. He didn’t like bottles either, but would take breast milk in a cup at about 11 months.
I also would breastfeed pretty much anywhere! My uncle walked in once and said, “is she doing what I think she’s doing?” and followed that with, “okay then, I’ll be in the kitchen!”.
And I’m fairly certain I traumatized my doctor’s new nurse. She was a recent graduate and walked into our 18 month well-child appointment to find me breastfeeding. She froze in her tracks! She had a lot of questions for me :) I was good on-the-job training that day!
Jennifer FTM says
(I haven’t read through all of the comments, so some might have my same sentiments.)
I am 8 months pregnant and SO NERVOUS that I won’t be able to successfully breastfeed for at least a year or more (hopefully more). My main concern is going back to work. You are so lucky to have a job that allows you to be with your family 100% of the time. I am so nervous to go back to work – even part time – and have to pump (what if it doesn’t work, what if she doesn’t want the bottle, etc etc?). I would love to just breastfeed without bottles, but the reality of finances is that I will be a working mamma. Here’s hoping to having an amazing experience like you and so many others!
So happy for you and your family.
Angelica says
You know, babies will also reverse cycle, so they sleep and dont eat when you’re not around and make up for it when you’re home.
Megan says
congratulations!!! I had a similar experience (although I could pump), and really loved it. Had friends with horrible experiences, and applauded them for giving it up when it just wasn’t working. But for those of us lucky to have it easy – yay! And I remember feeling bittersweet when it was over, but great for you for sticking with it!!!
angie says
thanks for sharing. breastfeeding is 1000x harder (physically, mentally, etc) than anyone gives you credit for.
i somehow made it though eight frustrating months breastfeeding my son, but finally decided the tears (from both of us), frustration, pain and others not understanding was not worth the mental and emotional wear on me. i wasn’t enjoying any of it. i felt guilty when he got that first bottle of formula, but at the same time i felt happy and relieved. it was nice, at eight months, to finally hold my son and look at him in the eyes and enjoy the experience of just being with him and cuddling. it’s sad that it took that long to feel that way.
hubs and i are starting to think about #2, but honestly the idea of breastfeeding all over again scares me to death, and i’m not sure i can go through it again. maybe it wouldn’t be so challenging the second time around…
Leigh says
Congratulations Sherry! 14 months of breastfeeding is huge! My son is only 3 weeks old and right now I honestly can’t fathom that timeframe. I am encouraged by your story. It’s been a difficult road and definitely a little lonely but I know it gets better. Thanks so much for sharing.
Lowell says
great post! congratulations Sherry!