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.
Krystyl says
CONGRATS MAMA! They grow up so fast and you’ve just got a first glimpse of her not needing you any more. Mine are 2 and 6 and it just breaks your heart. Much Love!!!
Kat says
Thanks for sharing. I breastfeed both my daughters. I think it was the most wonderful bonding that you can have with your child. I never could understand the critism that people gave me over doing it for 15 months for my first and 12 months with my second. You should be proud!
Candice says
My baby has breastfed since day one. She’s 4 months old and we both love it.
We have a lot of company all the time. People come and go almost daily. They have gotten used to the fact that I may be nursing when they come over. Several of my hubs friends have seen my boobs. They learned to knock and wait. (Not knock and enter.) One even walked in on me pumping. I don’t care. It’s my house. I nurse where I want, when I want. I see no reason I have to hide to feed my baby. I do use a cover when I’m forewarned though. It’s very hard to be bashful and breastfeed.
Sheila says
Sherry,
I can’t believe you breastfed exclusively during the 1st year, and blogged and did all the home improvement stuff at the same time! I’d really like to get tips from you on how you stay organized, motivated, and ‘get things done’ all the time. thanks for this post and this blog. I read simplemom, zen habits, and a few others, but yours is the best!
thanks guys!
love
sheila
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sheila! I couldn’t have done a thing without John. It was so helpful to have him to lean on, and we pretty much switched off with the baby (I’d nurse while he wrote a post and then he’d watch Clara while I did a project, etc). We also tried to do as much as possible doing her naps (when we could both be productive at the same time) and after she went to bed (around 7:15pm was when most of our projects would start- and still do!). It’s definitely not a traditional 9-5 workday, and it definitely still feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day but we do our best to make it work!
xoxo,
s
Sarah says
Sherry! Thank you for sharing your story and congratulations on a successful nursing relationship with Clara! You definitely deserved it after what you guys went through so I’m so glad it went well for you! I wanted to say a VERY BIG and special thank you to you for acknowleging that sometimes it is very hard and even with all the work, lactation consultants in the world, it just doesn’t work out. That was my experience and its taken over 4 months to get through the various stages of grieving at its loss. I think I’m finally through it, but it has been hard, so when you said that you know it isn’t always easy, wow, that really made me feel better! We bottle feed, and still share cuddly moments while feeding, but I imagine there is something so amazing about feeling like your body is making that baby grow! If we ever have another I’m hopeful that the nursing will turn out better for us! I think you are SO right that each momma gets her challenges – breastfeeding was just ours!! Thanks again for sharing and respecting other people’s situations!!!
Jennifer says
Awesome post! Way to go on 14 months!!! I was able to breastfeed for 14 months also, and I wouldt trade it for anything. The frist 3 months were painful, mainly because I had thrush and didnt know it, but it then became comfortable. I had to pump at work, so having to close my door 3-4 times a day and then having coworkers (mainly men) ask me where I was! It is a nice “freedom” not having to nurse, but its also sad because they are growing up. Yea for both Clara and you!!
Tracey says
This post really touched my heart, cuz my baby girl is turning one on August 1st. I’ll spare you my nursing journey… Let’s just say it’s been difficult for both of us! I’ve been on an elimination diet since 10/10/10 – no dairy, soy, eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts, etc. Before I cut out everything we had a very miserable, screaming 24/7 baby… 3 days after, she was an angel. She’ll be one in a week and a half and I still nurse her every two hours, 8 times a day. I’m trying to protect our nursing relationship, because I have no idea if she’ll be able to handle whole milk (or any other version.) We had to supplement her before with hypo-allergenic formula and I really don’t want her to wean to that. SO much money and she hates it! So… All this to say, CONGRATS on nursing! and I know how you feel. The first week she was born I begged and cried with my ped to stop nursing and he made me agree to try for another week. I cried all that week and swore once the week was up, I was done. It’s been almost 12 months and I’m SO glad I fought through. It’s been SO worth it. I sure miss ice cream, but it’s a very small price to pay! ;)
justy says
Congrats on that, it’s an accomplishment! I went 7 months, but the longer the better and my sister-in-law went to 3 years ( a little extreme??) Anyway it’s good for the baby and Clara certainly looks like a happy, healthy girl!
jenp says
What a lovely post, Sherry, thanks for sharing your experience! I definitely remember all of those feelings from when I nursed my two boys. But it makes me so sad that you had to nurse in another room. I too had problems with the nursing cover, but eventually I learned how to position myself far enough away from the group and use pillows or blankets on the side to shield the view a bit. I really encourage you to try different things next time around so that you don’t have to miss out on so much. Most people will get over any uncomfortable-ness pretty quick, they just won’t look directly at you without checking first to see if you are nursing!
kim says
I’m so happy to read this! You were my first introduction to cloth diapers and now I find out that every two hours is fine!! My son is four months old and gigantic and demands feeding every 2-2.5 hours, however, he isn’t sleeping through the night, waking every 4 or so to eat then too. Everyone tells me its too much, that he should be eating every 4 hours during the day. Last month I started ignoring the baby books and the peds and just feed him…everyone is much happier and he’s sleeping more at night. I had a super fast delivery but some serious post delivery problems that also prevented him from nursing for several hours. Add to it that he is tongue tied and the nurses had me convinced we’d never breastfeed. He’s now 99th percentile.
The stuff no one tells you before you have babies!!
rebecca says
One word – Stud! It is the hardest physical, emotional and psychological thing I’ve ever done (12 months & 10 months and mine was painful in the beginning). You simply rock.
And my math figures something close to $1000 in savings. Forget push presents, I think we should get BF-ing presents :)
Vanessa says
I loved your breastfeeding recap!! Thank you for sharing it with all your readers. I had all the scary horrible problems you hear about breastfeeding, including surgery for an abscess that had to be packed (open wound packed with gauze) for six months. Yes six months. Nursing hurt for a very long time……but I did it for 13 months (both kids) and never ever considered stopping, even though the surgeon suggested. Both of my boys, who are now 15 & 16 went from naturally weaned from the breast right to a sippy cup. Never an ounce of formula or a bottle. Breastfeeding Moms Unite! :)
AnnieM says
First..huge kudos for breastfeeding for 14 months!!
I am also a huge breastfeeding advocate, but my babies did exactly opposite of what Clara did. Hardly nursed at all during the day, but every 2 hrs at night :0)
With my first baby I started off doing what you did…when family was around, I would go upstairs or to my bedroom. But after a couple times of doing this, I thought to myself “what the heck am I doing?” I was doing something that was the best for my baby, and I wasn’t going to go hide somewhere to do it!
So I took a deep breath, practiced latching on and breastfeeding in a mirror, and stayed put in the room. At first I got a few startled stares from my in-laws, but they rapidly got used to it, (esp when they realized I wasn’t going to leave..lol)and there were many times they didn’t even realize I was nursing. By the third baby, I nursed EVERYWHERE. Soccer fields, parks, playgrounds, restaurants, churches, parties, family reunions,etc. I starting feeling like I was a role model for someone who didn’t want to breastfeed simply because they couldn’t imagine nursing in public.I wore loose fitting tops that lifted up, and it was easy.
The best thing ever was when my husband’s niece (who was only 10 when my first was born, told me she nursed her babies because after watching my all those years she knew she could do it!!!
Les says
I loooovvve this post! Thanks so much Sherry:) Nursing was the best! I did not get to nurse as long as I had hoped. We made it to Gracie’s first birthday. She had a really bad cold/ear infection and I am sure not easy for her to breath while nursing. She would only take a sippy:( It was truly a sad time for me….But it is best when they “reject” you, I guess. I know how ya feel girl! XXOO Les
StumptownMom says
You go girl!
Lesley says
Ah, breastfeeding, so sweet. I set a goal to nurse my twins for at least a year, then we made it to 22 months (including pumping like a madwoman for 8 of those months, since I had to go back to work at the office when they were 4 months old). I’m in Northern California, though, so I did it any old place, with no drape. But I tried not to nurse them together in public–what a scene! I cried the last time, too, but then they made me laugh because by then they would stop and chat with each other and me. One of the many advantages of nursing that long was getting through multiple bouts of stomach flu (joys of daycare) without having to worry about how to feed/hydrate them.
Anne Marie@Baby Makes Us Family says
Wow-how awesome is that?! I breastfed for less than three months – once my son got a taste of the bottle he never looked back. I ended up pumping for awhile and that seemed to work well for him :)
Kymberly says
:) Breastfeeding is awesome (especially while lying down) My third “nursling” is 8 months now and going strong. After three I’ve gotten good at nursing in public discretely. IT can be done. Now that she is older she is too distractable and “leaves me hanging” so we nurse in the car seat on the way while DH drives or in another room. Congrats on 14 months <3
alg says
It is so bittersweet, isn’t it?
:) Awww :) … :( Oh :(
And although I am jealous of how good a sleeper Clara is, I can’t say I’d trade those late-night nursing/bonding moments for anything in the world.
:) … :(
Naomi says
Way to go ladies! My story is very similar to yours but I had all the crazy pain, cracks and bleeding in the beginning but we made it (nursing very often) to 14 months when she weaned to just a morning feed then none. Sad and happy. Thanks for sharing!
Lesley says
To clarify: I nursed in public, but I pumped in private. Yikes!
Celia says
OK, seriously… you were SO blessed with a good nurser!! My son wanted to nurse so badly, but had problems latching. I tried and tried… and I had so much milk. I was so determined to give him my breastmilk… I literally pumped every four hours, every day… for EIGHT months straight!!! He got my milk and I stocked our freezer full!! I would have done anything for him to nurse. :( Maybe the next one will. Loved reading your post. I’m always so interested to hear what others experiences have been.
Kristin says
Thank you for sharing! My son is 3 and a half months old and has only been fed breastmilk and I feel so grateful as well. It is an amazing time for bonding. There are so many great support groups (ex: La Leche) out there to help women that have issues breast feeding. I am going to try and feed as long as possible and I’m glad you shared your experience :)
Audria says
Way to go! I found your blog when I started nursing my first child almost 3 years ago. I’ve read every post while I’m nursing on my iPod! If somebody told me before I had children that I’d be nursing a 32 month old and a one year old at the same time, I’d say, “You’re nuts, I’d never be that weird!” It’s only weird until you come face to face with it, and realize that your children come before others’ opinions. I still sneak in a little nursing for my almost-3-year-old when he’s having a fit at a restaurant. Nobody knows I’m doing it, and everyone enjoys the peace and quiet ;) Oh yeah, and I have the healthiest kids on the block!
Melissa says
Your breastfeeding experience sounds exactly like mine! I am still breastfeeding (down to morning only) and my son is 13 months. And he would not take the bottle or the pacifier. I always felt like he was the only kid who wouldn’t take a bottle! I love breastfeeding and want to do it with all my kids. And when I tell people that I’m still breastfeeding, people look at me funny. I am so happy that I am not the only one still going after 6 months. Thanks for your post to make me feel more “normal”!
Denise Laborde says
Love this post!
One thing shocks me: breastfeeding in front of friends or extended family is not accepted? Do you know why?
I loved nursing my three sons and I can’t imagine having to remove myself from anywhere in order to nurse them. The only time I sought seclusion was when the baby was too distracted to nurse with people around him.
I am American but I live in France (and have lived here for the birth of all of my children), and here it is accepted to nurse your children anywhere. It seems a little sad and even wrong that someone would find such a natural act objectionable.
In any case, I love reading about your experience and am glad it was a positive one for you. I felt sad each time my sons weaned themselves too, and at the same time I felt happy because I was FREE! Haha.
Bises
Denise
YoungHouseLove says
I just wasn’t good enough at it at six weeks to not shoot milk everywhere or get it all down the front of my shirt and I was scared I’d flash my father or brother in law since I wasn’t proficient enough! Haha. If only Clara had been ok with a nursing cover!
xo,
s
Rachel @ Common to Moms says
Who new this post would generate so much interest on a DIY blog? Haha :) It’s so awesome what a positive attitude you have had during different stages of the process…
I cried too when I weaned my daughter a few months ago. (She is almost 16 months now & we weaned around 10 months)… I was so scared I would lose that emotional connection with her, but it was the right time for us. What’s funny is, as a breastfeeding baby, she never liked to cuddle with anybody. Once she weaned she became a lot more touchy feely- wanting to be held and rocked more. She’s still not a cuddle bug like some babies but I love that we still have a sweet connection, it just looks like more hugs, kisses and cuddles instead of nursing! She sort of naturally replaced that old connection with something new. I was worried for nothing I guess :)
Stelie Designs says
awesome sherry! i totally relate to your entire post. i breastfed all my kids for 14 months too. this from someone who never wanted to breastfeed until i found out i was having twins. then it was more of a financial decision turned into me loving it and happy it all worked out.
i have 2 sets of twins (6 & 2) my on demand babies were every 2 hours and never longer than 3 during the day. my first set weren’t very good night sleepers (still aren’t) my second set were rock star night sleepers until breastfeeding stopped this past fall.
thankfully both sets were fast eaters and the whole process took 20 minutes max per feeding and definitely not in public, hard to cover up when feeding 2 babies at once. the car was a great place when out in public.
so happy to hear it worked for you. this last time was emotionally harder for me since i know i’ll never have babies again:(
thanks for being a daily inspiration,
stephanie
Janae says
I am thrilled about this post too!! I have a 10 week old and breastfeeding has been a battle. I also had a tramatic delivery expierence with my daugther being brm 4 weeks early. We also had to use a supplemental nursing system due to her latch. It was my plan to breastfeed exclusively, but she was prescribed a formula to promote weight gain. After 5 weeks, her latch was strong enough to nurse. I tried using the pump, hospital grade even, hated it!! :) SO thrillled about her latching because I only had a little in there. Now we are up to 2 nursing a day and whenever she demands it. I do hope to nurse exculsively at some point. since she has been released to regular formula/breastfeeding!! I am so thrilled and it is relief to read and share with others who have tried to do something that is so natural but so darn difficult. I am pleased that my mini me now wants what I have to offer and is less interested in the formula…and the hubby is now a self proclaimed nursing expert! Although we are behind, it is never to late. Thanks for admitting that it can be a difficult process… now knowing this I still hope that I am able to
become a member of the ” Over a Year” club!!
Jessica says
Thank you so much for posting this.
I’m sitting in my hospital bed as I type this next to my 2-day old daughter, Lucy. I’ve just begun the journey of breasteeding with her and it has been a bit intimidating. I must say that this post is absolute perfect timing and has given me a good confidence boost. So far we have lucked out that Lucy seems to be taking breastfeeding very well. Although a little painful for the first few seconds, I am starting to get used to it. After a very long and somewhat painful labor (about 28 hours with two hours of ‘hell’ due to a failed epidural)the idea of going through a year of painful breastfeeding all day was intimidating. I am now realizing that it is more a bonding experience than just a necessity to feed. I know in time it will become more natural and I will grow to love it, but I just wanted to thank you for your perfectly timed post.
Laura says
You gave me chills. Congrats on your 14 months!! With our first, I only did it for 6 months and regretted not going longer. So with our 2nd, I did the same – let her tell me when enough was enough. We did 13 months and 1 week. I still miss that bonding time, and she just turned 2.
Megan says
Haha,I can relate to thinking of the baby the whole time I’m on a movie date with my husband. I swear every movie we’ve seen since I started leaving my baby boy with someone else for a little while involves a poignant or sad scene between a mother and baby- Kung Fu Panda 2, Super 8, Harry Potter 7.2 among others- and I end up swimming in a pool of mama tears.
Elizabeth says
Great job Sherry! That’s exactly the same amt of time I nursed my little girl too! She’s 17 months now, and I still feel a little sad that it’s over. I just wanted to comment that my doctor said it wasn’t necessary for her to drink cow’s milk. My daughter refused/refuses milk also and I worried about it, but apparently if she eats cheese and yogurt or other calcium rich foods (not that she’ll touch spinach or tofu!) it is fine. I still wish she would drink it, but as of now I’ve stopped offering it daily. I was just surprised that Clara’s doctor didn’t say the same thing.
xo
YoungHouseLove says
She was dropping on her weight curve (slowly from 90th to the 15th percentile) since we determined my breast milk was getting more “skim” as time went on. So we all agreed (doc & lact. consultant & us) that the added fat in whole milk could help. She loves cheese and yogurt and has been eating those since 6 months old, but when we got her on whole milk she really started putting on the pounds. It’s definitely one of those case by case things though, and every parent has to do what feels right to them!
xo,
s
Amy J. says
Thanks for sharing Sherry! This post was perfect timing for me…. As I await the arrival of our first little girl, I am more and more nervous about the whole BF experience. In particular the emotions involved. Thank you for the postive and honest post, I find it very encouraging! Thank you!!
Kasey says
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your story! Nursing is hard work, but so worth it. I nursed my first for 20 months, but we started off with a rocky start. He was born prematurely and we fought to get the hang of breastfeeding for the entire first 6 months. Like Clara, he wanted to nurse often – every 1.5-2 hours. I’m expecting my second baby in a few weeks, and I’m hoping for a less frequent nurser this time around.
I also wanted to say thanks for posting about your cloth diapering experience. You made it look easy enough that you convinced me to cloth diaper this time. I just washed my diapers today and they are ready to go!
Erin C. says
Yay, Sherry! I am so proud of you! I nursed my daughter for 18 months and when we mutually decided to quit it was very bittersweet. I loved that time with her and am so glad I was able to stay home with her and do that. We are currently awaiting the birth of baby #2 and I hope our nursing experience is just as rewarding.
Katie says
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve just entered in to the world of breastfeeding 4 days ago with the birth of my first, and I definitely appreciate it when women share their experiences. I’m like a sponge right now as I try to navigate myself and my family through this time, and I need all the information I can get.
Kele says
What a refreshing point of view Sherry. Kudos!
Cheryl says
Way to go! I breastfed both my kids, but only the youngest was exclusively breastfed — and boy, was she exclusive about it. Pumping never worked well with me for either child; I was lucky if I could get a half ounce in a half hour, even with a professional pump. But through sheer determination, I managed to amass about 30 oz so I could go to an all-day conference when my daughter was 6 months old. Nope. She didn’t drink a single drop all day, just screamed around the bottle nipple.
But outside of that one day, I found nursing to be the most convenient thing EVER. It was always ready, always warm, always right there. You can’t beat that for middle of the night feedings. I was pretty adept at being discrete with public nursing, even without a blanket, so that helped. She didn’t drink anything but me for 11.5 months, and finally drank from a bottle right before she turned 1. I continued with the nursing the vast bulk of the time, until she self-weaned right after her birthday.
When I think back to the baby days, I honestly don’t miss them all that much. My girls are 8 and 13 now, and having older children rocks my socks, big time. But the thing I look back on with the most fondness was nursing them. It was beautiful, and I do miss it sometimes.
Good work, mama! And dad, too! ;)
Casey says
When you posted this all I could think was “Oh man, I hope people don’t respond with too many negative/rudely opinionated comments.” I know it’s a personal decision and a private decision. Thank you for sharing (I’m sure that felt vulnerable) and I hope the non-approved comments weren’t too offensive!
YoungHouseLove says
There wasn’t one non-approved comment! Can you believe that? We have the best most accepting and open minded readers ever! I was honored to share this with everyone – what an awesome little chat 827 of us have been having here in the comments!
xo,
s
Brooke says
Breastfeeding my son for a year is the hardest.thing.I’ve.ever.done. But, I’m so glad I stuck to it, its so rewarding in so many ways.
Gina says
I loved this post Sherry. My son nurses every 2 hours and won’t take a bottle or pacifier either! So glad to know I am not alone. Thank you so much!
Kara J says
This is slightly off subject, but baby related. We are expecting our first and i’m currently shopping around for strollers and car seats. I read in one of your posts that you have a joovy kooper stroller, but those don’t come with car seats do they? what kind of car seat do you have? if you don’t mind sharing. Thanks!
-Kara
YoungHouseLove says
We didn’t do the whole travel system snap-n-go thing (we wanted as little baby gear as necessary), we just got a Chicco Keyfit30 carseat and used that for 13 months until Clara got too long and then we upgraded to a convertible (still rear facing) carseat by Britax (the Roundabout). Clara’s a really solid sleeper (perhaps because we transferred her from a stroller to a carseat and vice vera) so we didn’t mind lifting her out of one to put her in another – but it’s totally a personal preference thing!
xo,
s
tamara says
what a sweet post. i feel like i can very much relate after breastfeeding for 13 months, which might have been a bit longer had i not gotten mastitis (ugh). i hadn’t read clara’s birth story until now, and even that is something i could relate to, as i was hoping for delivering naturally (and almost did) but then we figured out he was breech, so emergency c-section it was!
Trina says
Way to go Sherry! I definitely understand the emotions that you’ve felt with the breastfeeding. I’m one of those mommies who desperately wanted to breastfeed, and I tried so hard with both of my daughters. I absolutely loved it while it lasted even if it involved pumping, supplemental feedings, and taking horrible herbs to try to get my milk up. I encourage anyone to try it, and do it for as long as you can.
Mani M. says
Breast feeding is overrated.
Amy says
Wow! Reading your breastfeeding experience just allowed me to revisit my own experience with my first daughter! Practically identical … down to the nursing lying down in the mornings being the last thing to go, feeding so much during the day so she slept through the night, everything!
Meg says
You deserve a BIG SHINEY METAL or something equally as sparkly and awesome (hint hint John) That is amazing and thank you for sharing your journey. I HATED every second of breastfeeding my son but we had some bumps in the road – your story makes me feel like if there is a next time, sticking with it…very inspiring :)
Pam Boimel says
I have been breastfeeding my girl for 14 months now and she is showing NO signs of wanting to wean. Unfortunately in October my work schedule is going to become insane and I am concerned about weaning. Right now I am just trying not to stress about it and if she wants to nurse when I am with her I will let her, and if my supply drops and she decides to wean she will. I was going to officially try to wean her before October but I love it and so does she so I decided to just let nature take its course! Good for you for doing the same!
Ali says
I loved this post! It’s so sweet!!! I could relate to every word! I went through the exact same emotions with breastfeeding my first baby! :) I’ve breastfeed all 3 of my kids on demand and let them each wean on their own around which turn out to be around the same time frame 12-14 months! So I loved reading your experience!
I thought you did a terrific job talking about your breast feeding experience and you did it in such a non controversial way! :) I loved that you were sensitive to others that didn’t get the same opportunity!
~ Ali