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.
Angela says
Let me just tell you how glad I am to read this. I have a 16 month old, and he is only nursing once a day and I am oddly sad. I am proud, like you, that I was able to nurse this long, but I know in a week or so he won’t want to nurse at all. I am feeling like a chapter is closing and a new one beginning. So glad to hear that this is normal. Congrats on 14 months, Sherry!
Beth-BTW says
HUGS! I know how emotional of a time it is for many to end a nursing relationship. I have done that twice now and don’t look forward to the day I am no longer nursing my now 9 month old. (I say this even though I’ve been nursing or pregnant – or nursing AND pregnant – for 8 years!)
I have never had an easy time of nursing. In order to have it work at all, I have had to put in a ton more work than the average breastfeeding mother. I have to pump and pump and pump and feed the baby whatever I pump in order for them to gain and for me to keep up a supply…this is on top of the every-two-hours thing. Yeah. It is less than fun. BUT it is worth it.
It is bittersweet, but pat yourself on the back and know that you did a great job!!
nancyo says
“off to cry now?”
Hell. Off to grab a bottle of wine now and celebrate. That’s an amazing accomplishment.
Krystal says
I give you props for being determined to get Clara to drink milk that wasn’t breastfed. My mom says that I refused to drink any sort of milk after she stopped breastfeeding and the doctor told her to not push it. I’m now nearing 21 years old and have yet to drink any milk since I was 7 months old. I think the last time I tried was in kindergarten during snack time because the only drink options were milk or chocolate milk, and I vividly remember spewing it all over my teacher as she walked by. I don’t know why, but the minute milk touches my tongue I get really nauseous and have to spit it out…thus I eat my cereal with a straining spoon so the cereal remains nice and soggy, but I don’t get that nasty puddle of milk with each bite.
Sarah says
I had goosebumps this entire post. My baby girl is 5 months and I have nursed her from day one, although she will take a bottle from daddy which is nice. I thought I was going to stop last month and cried way to much, I couldnt do it! You go girl, you did it, you accomplished it and you did what a lot of mama’s cant! :)
Mary says
Breastfeeding is the best! It definitely takes dedication. You are a saint for nursing your sweet Clara for 14 whole months. I am in my 6th month of breastfeeding my little guy and I absolutely love it. We’ve been laying on our side from the beginning which definitely makes those middle of the night feedings easier. Congratulations on reaching this important milestone in Clara’s life. Yay for real food!
Lauren says
Such a great post! I think weaning is one of the hardest things I’ve gone through with my little ones, you have a right to feel emotional about it! I was a basket case, particularly with my second and last son; I wasn’t ready to be done, and he was, at 13 months. Same feelings you describe- “he doesn’t need me”, etc… AND just knowing that sweet, special part of my life is over for good. I realize BF’ing doesn’t work for everyone, but I feel sooo incredibly blessed for that time I got to spend with my boys.
Great job!!!
Bryanna S says
My own kiddo just weaned herself this week. We made it to 28 months and some odd days. She was down to just nursing to sleep and decided to give it up. I’m happy to be done but I’m sad that my baby is growing up so fast haha!
You definitely don’t have to worry though about your kid being addicted to nursing at 21… most stop around 2 anyway just as they naturally seek independence and wanting to be a big kid :)
Elizabeth says
Good for you! I am also one of those weirdos that loves breastfeeding. And btw, the side-lying position is our absolute favorite too! Its all we use. :)
Carole says
I feel like you are talking about my baby! Well, except for the fact that at nearly 11 months she still wakes every 2-3 hours even at night to eat..and around the clock. I am completely fine with it, but I am starting to have the same worry you ran into about the milk. My daughter has never had a bottle or pacifier either, so she is pretty stubborn in her ways. I am going to remember that almond milk idea though and try it if the whole milk doesn’t work at first!
Congrats! Oh, and I totally feel the same when when people are over and I leave the room to nurse, I can hear everyone talking and having a good time and even though I love nursing and spending time with my baby it makes you feel a little excluded!
Britt says
Hey $herdog! So happy you posted this! Sounds like you and Clara had an awesome experience with nursing! I was also really lucky that my little guy (who will be 1 next week) took to it quickly – but INCREDIBLY painful for about 6 weeks!
I have to admit – I HATED nursing! haha. I just never got to a place where I liked doing it – the interruption of the day, the separation from the group during social outings, the changing in and out of clothes…I just wasn’t relaxed enough about it all. My guy stopped “demanding” at 10 months and I was so glad – haven’t looked back!
Jackie says
You rock Sherdog!
Sarah says
Kudos to you!! I nursed both my boys (now almost 9 and 5) for 13 and 12 months. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for them!
Samantha says
Hi Sherry! I took time out from cleaning when I saw you posted about BF’ing. I’m glad everything worked out for you guys, I’m so jealous! I didn’t have enough milk for my second little guy because of an abruption too! Well, both my kids were born from abruptions but my youngest wasn’t able to be held for a few days! But I pumped as much as I could without getting to hold him so that was hard and eventually it didn’t happen =( SO SAD. I’m so glad that you worked through your issues and got to BF. Lucky gals. Takecare!!!
-Sam from Nova Scotia!
Kelli says
Aw, I’m so glad you were able to breastfeed for that long! I was able to go for about 7 weeks before my production dropped to the point that I knew it wasn’t going to work for my little guy. Speaking of lying down, one time I was feeding him this way, and we both feel asleep. I’m not sure how long we’d been snoozing, but I was awakened to the feeling of him just going to town nursing. It always makes me smile to think of how he was just doing his own thing. :)
Ruby says
Thanks for this post. I love your blog and this post is close to my heart. This week I decided to start weaning my 2 year old. Very sad for me because I have four sons and this is my last child. It all seems so final. I am so grateful that I could breastfeed all four of them without any problems. An experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. It helps to have a supportive husband, as I can see you have.
MCC says
Congrats!
I am nearing month 13 of bf’ing with my second baby. I bf for 18 months with my first, so I know how wonderful it is! I am getting ready to travel without my kids for the first time and I am so sad at the thought of not being able to bf my baby to sleep. I should just be grateful I’ve made it this long!
Cheers to bf’ing!
Raeanne says
This was a great post to read! My baby girl is due next month and so I’m so glad to read encouraging words since I too am planning on breastfeeding!
Thank you Sherry!
julie. says
I love hearing/reading other people’s bf stories! Thank you so much for sharing! I did 16 and 13 months with my two kids and I had a ton o’ problems with mastitis, but now they are 6 and 2 and almost every day I think about how glad I am I nursed them both. My oldest was the worst – one of those “nurse every 45 min babies” until he was almost 8 months! When we took a car trip it took forever to get anywhere since we always had to stop and nurse the baby (and it’s so not fun to nurse in a cramped car!) Congrats to you and Clara!
erika m says
I thought it would be appropriate to add that ever since he was born, I have breastfed my 9 month old while reading your blog(pretty consistently around 10:30 or so). He doesn’t like to socialize when eating so…I get bored-plus I like to multi task! Glad for you that you were able to nurse so long and transition so well, and that you aren’t a BF maniac, I hate when people judge/preach when they have no idea what you’ve been through…I was only able to nurse my 1st until 6 1/2 months old and thats because I was 4 1/2 months pregnant! Hated the thought of formula but I was SOOO tired.
Danielle says
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Sounds a lot like mine…I made it 13 months with my first. A very bittersweet feeling when it ended. Gets me a little teary now thinking about all that time we spent together and how I won’t have that with him again (although the teariness is most likely from the pregnancy hormones since I’m knocked up again). I’m so hoping that this new baby will take so easily to it as my first.
If you have a chance…could you PLEASE tell me where you got your crib sheet for Clara in the 2nd picture??? I’ve been searching high and low for that color for the new nursery!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from diapers.com. It was like $10 and organic! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Sarah says
$herdog – inspiration for breast feeders. Which is kinda crazy that you posted this because, I was just reading Tina Fey’s book (just finished it last night) and she mentions breast feeding…I was thinking to myself gee, I hope I can do that! Thanks for keeping it real.
Emmy says
lovely post. i’m pregnant with my first and it is always nice to hear a positive experience.
Lindsay says
Aww. My daughter is almost 5 months and I love nursing her too. I totally relate to this post because I had a traumatic birth as well and felt so lucky that breastfeeding was pretty easy for me (after a rocky start). Now I’m back at work and pumping so I only do 2 nursing sessions a day, so I understand your feelings about missing the connection. It’s kind of cool giving her something that no one else can! Oh and side lying nursing is the BEST!
Catherine M. says
Congratulations! I’m at the point where we’re trying to wean (my little lady is 13 months now) and she’s not taking anything from a sippy except water. Maybe I’ll try your trick and add some water to the milk. My girl is allergic to cow’s milk and soy (!) so we have been trying hemp and coconut milks… almond milk is out because it’s a potential allergen. Oy!! Anyhow, congrats on the new stage! Though bittersweet, I hope you can enjoy the new freedom!
Amy E. says
totally awesome! way to go! i’ve been breastfeeding exclusively since the birth of our little one almost 4 months ago. luckily, though, she doesn’t mind if it comes out of a bottle once in a while. she’s similar to Clara in that our little one will sleep a good 6-8 hrs at night without interrupt then ask for food every 2-3 hrs during the day.
it was interesting hearing about the weaning process you went through, or at least a little snippet about it. thanks for sharing!
Tracy says
Lovely post, congratulations. I was always uncomfortable nursing in public with my first baby and only did so twice over the year of BFing. But I just had my second and had to get over my discomfort QUICKLY, or my toddler would have been trapped in the house. It’s been much easier the second time around!
Katherine@YeOldCollegeTry says
I love how there are things that you would never really dream you’d be comfortable talking about (much less blogging about) before you have a baby, then you have one and…
BOOBS!
POOP!
NIPPLES!
and it ain’t no thing…
Congrats on 14 months of nursing the bean.
Meg says
Sherry,
Your experience was almost identical to mine. My daughter (will be in high school in the fall) when directly from breast feeding to a sippy cup at 14 months old. She was down to one first thing in the morning and eventually she just pushed me away.
I will never forget nursing, even now I can close my eyes and almost smell it. It definitely keeps you in the moment!
Lisa G. says
Really sweet post! Thanks for sharing your experience. I also had a great breastfeeding experience with both my kiddos, but am quick to say (as you did) that I realize it doesn’t work for everyone. Don’t worry, Clara still totally needs you- just in a different way. Hugs!
laura says
I’m all teary-eyed now! You are very lucky to have been able to breastfeed that long! My goal was 6 months with my son and I only made it 6 weeks. But even when we gave up the bottle at a year, I was so saddened because I loved that moment we had and I knew just how he liked his bottles and I knew just how he wanted to be held while he drank it. Now he is 10 days away from turning two and I am sad that I no longer have a little baby but now I have this toddler that more and more each day is looking like this little kid…uh, they grow so darn fast!! :'(
kelly ann says
Thanks so much for sharing!
Diana says
I loved reading this post! Congrats on making it so far. I have had a pretty easy time breastfeeding this far (almost 4 months) and it’s nice to know it can go well. I’m already thinking about how long I can nurse for, since I know I will miss the cuddly time with my son. Hopefully I have a year or more to go.
Lauren says
Thank you so much for posting this!
Our little one is almost 5 months, and I unfortunately had to return to work after 3 months. Luckily pumping has been working for me, but she has been eating more lately, and I worry that I won’t be able to keep up.
I’ve been so blessed with Meredith, and I’m so glad to hear that it worked out for you and Clara!
Everytime my husband and I talk about introducing solids at 6 months, I get a little sad. I think “she won’t need me anymore”, even though I know that isn’t true. And honestly, I’m being a bit selfish about the whole thing. Breastfeeding is SO easy for me! No bottles, no food, no dishes or plates! hahaha I truly hope that I can keep it up. We’ll see!
I am curious…did you guys do baby led weaning? I’ve been looking into it, but I don’t know anyone who has done it successfully. Also, with all your photos, where is Clara’s first “meal” photos?! My mom still has a picture of me with spaghetti in my hair, hanging up in her kitchen.
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, we did Baby Led Weaning from 6 months on and had a great experience with it! Her fine motor skills are so great and she eats anything (kale! pickles! fish!) and loves to feed herself. Here’s a little comment thread about it over on Flickr (with some photos of Clara eating some ground turkey and carrots I think).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/younghouselove/5302076596/in/set-72157624133612792
As for her first meal photos- we have some funny pics of her eating a mashed up banana. It’s everywhere (the hair, the nose, the eyebrows).
xo,
s
ashley says
Aw, good for you, what an awesome journey. I can’t wait for my turn! I so hope breastfeeding in public will soon be more accepted…it’s ridiculous to think we have to sit on a toilet at a restaurant to feed our babies or feel shunned to another room. :(
RhodeyGirl says
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this subject!
wendy says
Sherry-
I’m a first-time poster but have been reading your blog every day for the past two years :) (Leave it to a post about breastfeeding to inspire a comment from me, lol.) Thanks so much for this post. I’m expecting my first baby in less than 5 weeks and have been thinking a lot about breastfeeding. I really appreciate hearing about your experience and hope to have the same success!
wendy
Shirah says
Sherry,
Thanks so much for sharing all your experiences with us! I’m expecting our first due in October, and I have been ravenous for info from new moms on all these subjects. And it’s so great to hear it was a good experience for you! (If my partner’s mother tells me one more time how bad her nipples bled while breastfeeding I might die!)
Love the blog!
Jessica says
Thanks for sharing your story, Sherry. I’m glad you were able to breastfeed for so long. I am expecting my first in 4 weeks and breastfeeding is something I’m quite nervous about – but reading your honesty about the experience gives me confidence. And thanks for addressing the one question no one ever does – what it feels like to have to excuse yourself during family get-togethers to go breastfeed in private. Glad John kept you company during that time!
Kate says
You’re right. Side/laying down breastfeeding is awesometown.
BF my first daughter until 13 mo.
2nd daughter is still going strong at 2. Wow.
Add a newborn son in there… I’m busy. :)
What a joy it is though! THANK YOU for sharing!
Have you noticed that Clara doesn’t get sick very often? I hadn’t taken notice until my pharmacist told me my daughter had never had a prescription!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! She’s never even had a fever, the flu, or needed a prescription. My mom said my brother and I were the same way the entire time we breastfed. Here’s hoping it stays that way now that she’s off the boob!
xo,
s
lisa says
It’s funny, my cousin said she breastfed her first child for 18 months, and her child used to get colds during this time…then, her second one she didn’t breastfeed at all …she never got a cold for the first 2 years….nothing at all……my aunt breasfted all of her daughters…they have asthma now as older children and as a young child got so many sicknesses, strept throat, etc…so, who knows. You hear different stories from both sides.
YoungHouseLove says
Absolutely! Who knows what it really is due to. Clara is also exposed to a lot of other babies (her cousins and other little baby friends) so I wonder if that has helped her immunity since she’s around them a lot to build up her system or something.
xo,
s
Michele Daggar says
You guys are lucky your babies are never sick!!! I have 2 kids, my son is 14, and my daughter is 10. I didn’t breast feed my son, but I bf my girl for 6 months. He is almost never sick, but she’s had pneumonia, sinus infections, allergies, asthma, you name it! Oh well….
cd says
We’re at 16.5 months and still going. No major illnesses, but plenty of regular head colds. Which SUCK. Maybe the boob food has kept illness from getting worse, but colds still happen. Sigh.
Teresa says
Way to go Momma!! :) And daddy too.. it takes both of you to make it work. I am nursing a 10 mo old and know all too well those bittersweet moments and will be in your shoes before I know it. It’s harder than you expect, and the morphing of your feelings about it are a wonderful journey. So glad you shared this… breastfeeding is a wonderful thing and it would be good to see it become mainstream again. :)
Melissa says
Thanks for the good cry! My third (and last :) baby is now 10 months old & I’m trying to get myself ready for when she decides to wean. It is always so bittersweet!
Vanessa says
I am a little sad reading your post. My daughter is almost five and I remember the same experiences you do. Also, the sad feelings when she started to grow up. I think going that long was a wonderful thing and you seem like a wonderful mom and Clara will always need you- Just in other ways :)
Thanks for sharing and be so open. Its nice to see other people having the same experiences and emotions with their kids. Enjoy your time as a couple now that she is growing a bit more!
Alicia says
Awesome job, Sherry! I know Clara appreciated every minute of it! I breastfed my first son for 16 months and I’m 6 months into it with my second son. I can’t imagine bottlefeeding a baby…it just seems like a lot more maintenance in my opinion! I rarely ever hear you guys talk about Clara being sick. My youngest has yet to be sick and my oldest is sick very rarely. I think having a good start helps in the long-term as well.
Lucy says
That was wonderful, Sherry. Thanks for sharing it with us!! My youngest is 11 1/2 and so it’s just over 10 years since I nursed, but I still remember it fondly. Like you, I’m also grateful for the wonderful health benefits for both me and my children. :)
Michelle says
Please share where you got that swimsuit. It’s awesome!
YoungHouseLove says
Target! I think it was $12 on sale- maybe three months ago?
xo,
s
Stephanie says
I know the proud feeling you must have. My baby will be 4 next month, I fed her until she was done with me which was around 20 months… urgghh! But I assure you we still lay in that same position on our sides and snuggle. It just feels right for us and we can both be asleep in minutes.
Thais Bessa says
My story was a bit different. I had a very easy birth experience (thank God) and she got it right exactly 1 minute after she was born. As for me it was a lot painful at the beginning but never gave up. I always made sure to introduce her to the bottle so other people could feed her expressed milk in an emergency. Most important, my husband wanted to be part of this initial bond and gave her a bottle every night. Cute. We bought a special bottle they have here in the UK that mimics the breast perfectly and she never ever had any sort of “confusion”.
All went well until she turned 6 months and had mashed banana for the first time. She accepted solids amazingly but the day she had that first mouthful of banana she never wanted to breastfeed again. I mean never. Very strange. I felt bad, insisted, but only to make her cry and scream. So I accepted. I was guilty in the beginning but it wasn’t my choice, it was hers. And in a way I feel relieved because I see so many mothers suffering when the baby has to be weaned out of breastfeeding, it can be really traumatic for both sides.
All in all, congratulations to you both! No no, you three, as daddy’s support is crucial!
x
Stephanie says
Isn’t it amazing how STUBBORN those little nuts of ours can be!!!
Good job momma!
And I don’t know that the hormones ever fully go away once you’ve had a child. Randomly thinking about any one of my kids during the day can have me sniffling at my desk.
Tia says
Good for you!!!! You should be VERY proud of 14 months. I am at 17 months with no end in sight :) Right now we are at mornings, after work, and maybe before bed. She is a total “boob addict!” She also drinks organic whole milk during the day. I have heard about self weaning, and it is very cool you let her decide when she was done. I keep thinking that I will be sad when my daughter is done, but I have a feeling it won’t be because of her doing.