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.
Erin says
Congratulations, Sherry! My first weaned at 14 months, too (but my second is still going strong at 2; every baby is different!). You did a great job, Mama, and should be so proud of yourself!
Krista says
Oh, also, all you mom’s in the states who work and pump to continue breastfeeding, I think you are A-mazing! We get a year off in Canada so to BF is simpler, I think its awesome you commit to doing something so amazing for your child:)
YoungHouseLove says
Agreed! My good friend has been struggling to pump between meetings at work and I can’t believe how much work it is for her. Her little guy is one lucky man to have such a dedicated momma!
xo,
s
Amy says
I was pumping three times during the work day. It was … difficult, but worth it knowing he was getting the best nutrition we could give him.
Not that I’m a BF Nazi. He had formula a few times, but over 11+ months it was like 95% breast milk, 5% formula.
Jessi says
breastfeeding certainly was an amazing journey full of ups and downs (picture someone, not naming names [me], nursing while running around at work trying to get a computer projector to work for a presentation and having a professor walk up to me and peek to see what was under the cover around my neck…um, exCUSE me?) I’m also really grateful for the experience. I saw a quote recently that said “I love you with all of my boobs. I’d say I love you with all of my heart, but my boobs are bigger.” To that I’d add “and they sustained life for the first 6 months.” Pretty dang incredible.
Marci says
Congrats! How wonderful that Clara self-weaned at a pace that seemed to work for both of you.
My 24 month old still nurses morning and night. As of last week, after a few minutes (in the eve), she latches off and says “milk sleep”. I wish we could get there in the morning though…: )
I nursed my 6 year old for just over 2-1/2 years at which point, I offered her Dunkin Donuts instead of mommy’s milk at 5:30am. She went for it but after 2 days of the non-healthy trade, I swapped it with play doh in the mornings.
Karla @ {TheClassyWoman} says
Sherry I’m so proud of you! I know some babies don’t take to it, but you’re so right, those initial moments after birth are key! My mom bf both my brother and I’m happy she did, we both have amazing immune systems, rarely ever got sick as a child and even still to this day!
On a side note, I’ve done a lot of research on Excitotoxins, there is a great book titled that talking about how things like aspartame and sources of MSG rapidly overexcited and destroys brain cells in adults and children but it’s most important to avoid it all while bf and of course while pregnant. I’ve studied the labels while helping a close friend choose. The only formula I’d ever recommend is an organic formula that does not contain Soy or whey protein concentrate (it is a derivative of MSG). There is a reason why God gave women the ability to bf long before formula was invented! I know you don’t take a stance on this and I don’t judge anyone that uses formula (nor am I a doctor), but in all the research I’ve done, breastfeeding produces the best results in terms of progress, development, brain function, etc., both short term and long term.
Jayme says
Thanks for this, Sherry. It was kind of the shot in the arm I needed to keep going… I nursed my firstborn (son) for 11 months, and my daughter just reached the 10 month mark. I’ve been thinking about weaning her since I have to pump at work, but… it really is a wonderful thing and I would love to make it as long as you have. Cheers!
Suzanne says
You go girl! That is awesome. Breastfeeding didn’t work out for us for very long (about 5 weeks), so I am always in awe of those that make it for the long haul. Definitely hoping to go longer with the next baby…this is an inspiration! :)
Alicia Seebach says
Funny, this is almost our story exactly!!
I nursed our daughter until 14 months when she self weened, she also slept through the night at an early age where we woke to feed her for the first bit; then let it be.
She wouldn’t take bottles either! So pumping was out. In fact the only real difference is that Ella took to cows milk fairly readily.
Shauna says
Love. Thanks for sharing. Nursed my oldest for 21 months and I am currently nursing my 2 month old. The bond is incredible. Congrats to you and to Clara. :-)
Joy says
Sherry,
I just wanted to say what a wonderful post, it really speaks to all of us mommas and how hard, but gratifying, it is to raise those wonderful babies. Be extremely proud of what you’ve accomplished, and don’t worry about that bond, it’s not going anywhere!
Emily says
Oh Sherry, it’s okay. It’s the post-bfing hormones like someone else said. I’m actually nursing right now, reading YHL keeps me occupied.
I held off on solids for a while because I was a little upset that she wouldn’t need me as much anymore. She’s ten months and still gets (only) one solid meal a day. We’re going at our own pace :)
Thank you for writing this, more women need to know that breastfeeding can be easy and a true blessing. And for the mothers who unfortunately do have trouble, PLEASE check out La Leche League. They’re a wonderful group of women that will help you with any issues you’re having. It’s a great way to meet other mothers and make friends too! :)
Lisa says
Good for you :) Seriously more nursing moms need kudos from others! If you decide to have more kids, I promise that it gets easier! And you may get more comfortable nursing in front of others, so you won’t feel the need to leave those family get-togethers upteen times. I nursed my first just past his 2nd birthday, and my second is now 2 months. After a traumatic c-section and several hours of separation with my first, resulting in some serious nursing issues in the begining, my second was a blissful birth and we nursed almost immediately. I love the bond it’s given me with both of my kids. Cherish the memories!
Kay says
My son came at 30 weeks. I’m so grateful that we live in a time when things like formula and breathing machines and feeding tubes for babies exists! 100 years ago, my son may not have survived.
Thank you for recognizing that if you can’t breast feed, it’s still nothing to be ashamed of.
Liz says
Thank you so much for sharing your story/journey. I’m at the 12.5 month mark with bf my daughter and neither of us are ready to wean. So far she hasn’t liked the taste of whole milk, so I might need to try the almond milk trick. Thank you for letting us peak in on your lives!
Gloria says
Way to go for breastfeeding, exclusively at that! That’s all I did with 3 of my kids as well and it’s definitely the way to go if at all possible. I actually just got done nursing about 2 weeks ago, when my daughter was 15.5 months old. It was extra sad for me because she was our last child and I know I’ll never breastfeed again.
Although I’m kind of a little (alot!!!) jealous that you didn’t have any cracking or bleeding in the beginning. Picture me sitting on the couch nursing my baby for the first month while curling my toes so tightly to keep from screaming from the pain. Yes, it really hurt that bad. But in the end, it was all worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat if I had the chance.
Laura says
My daughter is 17 months old and we still do a session first thing in the morning and just before bed. I think she would be fine with dropping the before bed one if I just cut it out, but she is pretty insistent on the morning one still. But I totally agree with the mixed feelings, it IS sad, I can definitely tell she’s losing interest on some days, and it makes me sniffle! Also I am way jealous on the overnight sleep skills! Ours didn’t sleep a full 12 hours until she was 11 months old!!
Kendra says
Great post! I love that you are so honest in your writings.
Leah says
thanks so much for posting! I am 31 weeks pregnant and am really, really wanting breastfeeding to work as well for us as it did for you! i mean, you already turned me on to cloth diapering by making it sound so easy. My sister had similar experiences with all 3 of her kids nursing, so I hope it’s genetic!
Question – did you read any books to “study up” for breastfeeding, or just wing it?
YoungHouseLove says
I took a breastfeeding class for free at the local hospital (just watched a video and talked about it and stuff). But mostly I just waited until she was here and the nurse came in and showed me what to do. I give Clara all the credit. She taught me how for the most part. She just latched right on and I was so relieved.
xo,
s
Dana says
Great post! I am currently breastfeeding my 9 months old son. He is down to morning and bed time only feedings. I am too so happy i could bf for as long as i did, considering that the first 2 and half months our boy was too small to eat directly from the source(he was born with only 2.160kg – dismature), so i pumped 5-6 times a day to provide his meals.
Ps: i had extremely sore boobs during pregnancy, but not a single problem with them after birth :)
Irene says
Wow! You did a great job. Most of the women I know breastfeed for up to 12 months, some only six. although, my aunt breastfeed her kids for 3 years. Yikes!
I chose not to breastfeed. I wasn’t comfortable with the idea. It made me squeamish and nervous which is weird because I’m not a prude or anything. It just felt wrong for me. But I think it’s wonderful when mothers can do that with their babies. It’s an amazing thing to see.
Shaina says
CONGRATULATIONS! I LOVE hearing moms who are proud of extended nursing! My son is 28 months and we’re still going strong even with being pregnant. GREAT job momma! :D
Lizzy says
you should be very proud of yourself for sticking to it! i know its a lot of work – even after you’ve established such a good routine!
my son just turned 9 months and started crawling – so i am on the same page in terms of “not needing mommy as much” and growing up! i actually just made a note about it on our little blog yesterday.
i had a breast reduction surgery a few years ago that affected my ability to breastfeed…i was able to produce a very small amount – pumped an ounce on a good day – and i figured every little bit of the mom juice helps so just added that to his formula for the first couple months.
cheers to healthy babies…and healthy moms & dads!
Aurelie says
I’m so glad you wrote this post! I have a two month old and feel absolutely the same! Of course, she wasn’t as much as a champ as Clara, but she’s already sleeping 8 hours a night and feeds every 2 hours during the day. I try to bf as often as possible – I only bring bottles when we’re running errands for longer than 2 hours. That and her ocd about a clean diaper and I feel like I get NOTHING accomplished all day but feeding her. It’s wonderful to be able to have that bond with her but for someone used to getting things done around the house, such a strange feeling!
Kristal says
This post makes me so happy. :) Congrats on 14 months Sherry!
PS – I read this post while nursing my 18m old!
jessica k. says
Congrats Sherry. I am 6 months in and hoping to go at least 6 more. I return to work in a few weeks and I’m nervous about it affecting my supply.
Emily says
Way to go!! It’s such a bittersweet time. I love that my daughter is actually more cuddly now. :) I made it for 14 months too and my daughter wouldn’t eat if she was covered either. So glad Clara was a good sleeper and that you didn’t have other problems.
Constance says
Congratulations – excellent job!! Breastfeeding is great – we self-weaned around 19 months and wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. Everyone’s experience is so relative, but just wanted to say that I sympathize with frequent feedings. I would have actually adored every 2 hours – with a VERY reflux-y-baby, there many, many newborn times where we would feed every hour, even up to every 20 minutes when she would toss her breakfast so-to-speak and need a refill. All judgement completely aside, it does make me sad to think about you separated from family time because of nursing – I know I made a few folks uncomfortable at a friend’s wedding shower with a 3 month old in tow, but with a reflux baby who needed feeding ALL THE TIME, I said the hell with it pretty quickly. No idea what my family or inlaws thought when I went right ahead as needed and I didn’t ask — I hope you felt all the support in the world, which is what every mama (and dad) needs. Congrats again!
Chanda says
Isn’t it a awesome feeling? I still miss that bonding feeling and my youngest is 7 lol! She nursed to 20 months and like Clara just kept cutting back until one day no more. Easier on the mommy though -no crazy full boobies wondering what is up! Neither of my two will drink milk. I wished they had almond milk back then so we could have tried that. I finally gave up after a while since I hate milk as well and figured it was genetics or something.
Bobbie Brown says
Good for you! I breastfed both of my girls and loved it! I understand the emotions you described perfectly :) Congrats on being done though, it is a big deal, even if it is sad!
Amy S says
Congratulations!!! A huge accomplishment! Your experience with breastfeeding is similar to my own with my daughter, who is almost 11 months old. It was fun to read this – thanks for posting!
Jami Denton says
I had the whole cracked nipples thing, and it hurt EVERY SINGLE TIME I NURSED, And apparently I have flat nipples (who knew?), so nursing was very difficult for me (and my Logan). I can still feel the pain. However, I am glad that I kept up with it for 6 months. I learned to nurse laying down and that was fabulous at night and in the early morning. I don’t know why we have made this issue so taboo that we don’t talk/share with each other as mothers without judgement. My Emma was in NICU for two days and nursing just didn’t take (I had flat, cracked nipples, we didn’t get that initial bonding time, and she had extreme reflux). I think the whole point is that good mothers adore their children and do what is necessary to provide physical and emotional nurturing. I am so glad that you had this wonderful experience with sweet Clara. May it be one of many wonderful experiences you and she share.
Heather says
Great post. It made tear up a little! I belong to a parenting message board on which most people are very supportive of breastfeeding. However, in the real world, I run into a lot of people who think it’s just plain squicky. I nursed both my kids (my son for 26 months, and my daughter for 9 months), and I always feel a little disappointed in the people who fall on the “eeew…yuck” side of the issue. Anyway, good for you and Clara. : )
Fleur says
Congratulations to you and Clara! My son just turned one and we are still going strong in the nursing department. I returned to work when he was 7 weeks old and was determined to only feed him breast milk. I never enjoyed pumping and had to train my breasts to the pump. But now that I made my goal of one year, I am so glad I stuck to it and never had to supplement. I recently quit my job and am playing SAHM for awhile and he has actually increased his nursing, we nurse 4-6 times a day, and he sleeps 12 hours at night. I’m with you on the morning feed in bed = best way to wake up! I have been reading your blog since just before Clara was born and I must say that I have really enjoyed how you slip in here and there that you still nurse. It’s a reminder to some that you can nurse your babies beyond 6 months and even beyond a year. That nursing does get easier and actually becomes quite enjoyable. At this point I intend on continuing to nurse and not introducing any other milk until my son is done, or until number 2 comes along. Congrats again and thank you for being a role model for other young mothers who can produce breast milk to be determined and follow their babies lead and continue past a year.
Shelley says
Good for you Sherry! Thank you for sharing your positive breastfeeding experience. And for pointing out that nursing is a very individual experience and you worked out what was best for both of you (not what others deem the ‘right’ way).
I breastfed by daughter (on demand as well) for 2 years and 3 days. I let her ween herself (I had no clue we would last that long, but it was my intension to continue as long as we were both enjoying it). Breastfeeding was one of the most delightful, fulfilling and rewarding experiences of babyhood. I hope for a similar experience with my second child, due in about 1 month.
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
Yay for you for making it 14 months! I love hearing other mamas stories.
My little guy is 17 months old and still going – 3 times a day and he won’t let you forget a feeding. :) It’s also nice to hear another mom talk about how you literally cannot leave their side for more than an hour or two at a time. That’s been the hardest part for me.
Anyway, thanks for bringing up the topic. Every time it’s brought up in a non-mama-specific forum, it becomes more accepted, so that’s pretty sweet.
PS – I just returned from a trip with extended family, and I just never gave them the option to not be cool with BFing nearby (though I was covered at all times). What’s so interesting to me is to think of how much different/natural breastfeeding seems to ME, now that I’ve done it, compared to how I felt about it before becoming preggo.
Jena says
Sherry if it makes you feel better I am 25 and to this day still won’t drink plain milk, chocolate yes as long as its dark. I refused the bottle and cup with milk, any kind whether breast or cow. Straight from the breast was the only way. So some of us never tolerate the change, but good for you! I look forward to it in another year or two when we have our first.
Rudi says
Thanks for posting! I’m still nursing my 16 month old and I don’t think she’ll ever want to stop. It’s interesting to see how babies know when they’re ready. My daughter isn’t interested in cow’s milk at all, so the almond milk is a great idea, I’ll have to try that.
Rebecca says
Thanks for sharing this post, Sherry. Breastfeeding is tough, lovely, sweet, and frustrating – sometimes all at the same time. It’s nice to hear that other mamas go through the same range of emotions with it and that it’s all normal. I nursed my first son until he was almost a year and a half, and I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to quit. I am so glad that I didn’t.
jill says
I was blessed to be able to breastfeed both of my kids for 14 months too so I can relate to EVERY single emotion you mentioned. Weaning was the hardest for us however. Go figure! Kudos to you for sharing b/c we need to make this more socially acceptable.
Joy says
A lovely story and one to remember (lucky you blogged it but make a backup for history- maybe put a copy on the back of a cute baby picture framed).
Bethany says
You go girl! I nursed for 12 months and felt all the exact same feelings you did when it was over. I am proud for doing it and am so thankful I had success too.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Jessica says
Congrats & thanks for sharing! We are going strong at almost 10 months and its always interesting to hear about how long everyone (or every baby) decides to nurse for. I already feel like our little one is getting so big, so I’m sure I’ll be emotional when she decides to stop – it’s such an amazing bond/experience. After almost 300 nights being awoken by her for her middle of the night feeding – I still look forward to cuddling with her at 1am:)
Juliet says
Yay Sherry! I’m sure your sharing will encourage someone to give breastfeeding a try. It can be a bit of a sacrifice at times but you get so much out of it as well.
Emma says
Sherry, kudos to you for your great achievement. What a gift to both you and Clara’s long term health!! I related to many of the emotions you described. I had lots of troubles in the first many months of breastfeeding, but am proud to say we’re now more than 13 months as a nursing pair, too!
More importantly, I want to thank you for posting this because we need more celebs (yep, that’s what you guys are!) to talk about their own breastfeeding experiences — any experiences at all, but especially long-term, successful ones, with no sugarcoating the tough aspects. It destigmatizes this beautiful, natural process that babies and mothers were made for.
If even one person’s eyes are opened because of your post, it’s worth it, but I think you’ll enlighten many. And judging from the earlier commenter who didn’t know babies ever nursed for 14 months, I’d say mission accomplished!
Eve says
Did u know ure featured in the latest issue of The Knot magazine?
YoungHouseLove says
Really? Never knew that. Thanks for the tip! We’ll have to check it out!
xo,
s
Eve says
It’s the Fall 2011 issue of The Knot, in the special section towards the back called The Nest which had an article featuring your old living room. Do check it out:)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much! I’ll have to hunt one down!
xo,
s
Annie in Indiana says
Way to go! I’m nursing my fourth child right now (he’s five months), and I’m dreading the end of breastfeeding already. I plan to nurse him for at least a year. But since he’s our last [planned] child, I’m grieving the end of these sweet times in advance.
Your post made me tear up, too.
Megan says
I tried to breastfeed my youngest, Kyleigh when she was born in April 2010. It worked for about 6 weeks, and my oldest, Kayla, who was 3 at the time just wouldn’t have it. She also took a long time like Clara did, so it took up too much time according to Kayla. But I’m glad I did get to do it for 6 weeks.
Kyleigh was also sleeping through the night at 7 weeks!! And she made up for it during the day too.
Hopefully, when this next one comes in November, since my oldest will be in preschool…I hope I can breastfeed a little longer.
K (Barking Babymama) says
Loved reading your breastfeeding story – My son weaned himself early at about 10 months, and it was such a surprise and kind of sad, but then I started enjoying the new freedom (the bright side). And I figured there’s no better person to determine when it’s time to stop breastfeeding than the baby, right? Like you said, he was the boss :) I tried to keep pumping so I could give him breast milk in his sippy cup, but my supply quickly dwindled without all those bonding-hormones that come from the actual nursing.
Barb says
Sherry:
You seem to touch so many people’s hearts and this topic is no different. You are an inspiration to all young women and I say BRAVO to you!!! Thanks for sharing such a bonding, endearing experience. We are all better people for knowing you and for reading this blog. Thank you for just being Y.O.U.
Thank you for sharing everything you do…especially your precious CLARA!!! And John too. :)
B.
Allison says
Sherry, these two quotes from your post stood out to me:
“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”
“…it gave me a moment to step away from the computer/paint brush/hammer and connect with the bean.”
I’m not a mom yet, but I can imagine the urge to multi-task while breastfeeding, because you’re ‘stuck’ for such long periods of time. I know some moms who play iphone games while breastfeeding, and I wonder if the bonding part of breastfeeding will take a backseat to portable technology within our cultural.
Anyway, thank you for the reminder that breastfeeding/bonding time is among the most productive things you can do in a day!