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.
Lisa says
Thank you!! Breastfeeding was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done but also the best thing I’ve ever done. When you wrote about the time spent by yourself when all the family was around, I knew exactly what you were talking about. And I loved your description of how wonderful it is to breastfeed lying down. That was my favorite way to feed my baby. I’m thankful for you and for your honesty. I just love following your blog.
Emily says
Go Sherry! Totally agree with the other readers that praise John as well, because you do really need a strong support to breastfeed these days! I bf my oldest daughter till she was 14 months, and are currently bf-ing our 9 month old daughter. I LOVE BREASTFEEDING! Pregnancy, eh, you can have it, but breastfeeding, sigh, it’s just the bee’s knees! thank you for using a public platform to give props to this amazing bonding experience. You will remember and cherish those stolen, quiet, beautiful moments with your daughter forever. Rock on!
Katelyn says
My son turns 1 on Friday and has been exclusively breastfed (no bottles, no pumping) since birth. He still nurses every 2-4 hours around the clock. Yes, that includes at least 2 feedings on a good night and up to 4 or 5 on a more difficult one, but we co-sleep so I don’t mind as much as if I had to actually get out of bed. I will say he’s been a later bloomer in the solid eating department. He just doesn’t eat much at all. My current plan is to let him dictate when he’s ready to wean.
Congrats on the 14 months!
Katelyn says
I’m curious as to why your doctor felt a need for cow’s milk if you were still nursing.
YoungHouseLove says
Clara was dropping lower on the weight charts (gradually from 80th percentile to 15th) and with the help of an in-house lactation consultant we learned my milk was “skim” and wasn’t giving her the fat and nutrients she’d need to stay on her curve (as organic cow’s milk would). She was eating voraciously because she was so hungry for fats. Happily, we’ve already seen some great weight gain thanks to the cow’s milk (and did for the few months where the almond milk and cow’s milk overlapped nursing, which was great). It was just the boost she needed to get back up to her normal curve. Of course it’s one of those decisions that every parent has to make for themselves along with their doc/lactation consultant.
xo,
s
Katelyn says
Very interesting! I’d never heard of something like that happening. I’d always thought breastfeeding = no need for other milks unless of course you just wanted too. Thanks for answering my question :)
YoungHouseLove says
Sure! I think over time your milk can change (I was an overproducer at first, and it seemed thicker, but it thinned out and got very “skim” in the last few months).
xo,
s
Kelly C. says
Awesome post! Congrats for that dedication!
(First two kiddos at 24 months each and nursing a 5 day old as I type!)
Ariel says
Long time reader, first time commenting… Love, love this post. Love the blog, but I really loved this post.
I’m just another 20 something who is 3 months into BFing our third child. I remember the odd sensation of freedom and sadness when nursing came to an end with the other two. Relish it, remember it, and tell her about it when she begins her journey as a mother some day :)
cc says
As others have likely said already, try to not be sad (at least not for too long) about the end of this phase of Clara’s life. It’s awesome you guys have kept it up this long, but it means that Clara’s just doing what she’s supposed to at the right time for her to do it. If this was still going on for another year or two, it’d be getting weird, and you’d probably be begging her to quit! You’ll be there again soon enough– she’ll outgrow baby toys, and go to school, and be crushing on boys– all sorts of things are ahead that mean that she’s gaining independence and becoming her own person, which is supposed to be what we want for our children. (As a mom, I have to remind myself of this all the time, though!) :D
Kim says
Sherry – I am so glad you posted this! Kudos to you and John for posting about your life and giving us all a glimpse. And congrats to you for breastfeeding for 14 months exclusively! Between that and cloth diapers you have saved a TON of money! And Clare is so lucky to have such dedicated parents. I too breastfed both of my girls (now 7 and almost 4), but wasn’t able to do it exclusively. My first daughter also wanted to BF every 2 hours and it was extremely exhausting! Plus she didn’t nap much during the day but slept pretty good at night. For those first 3 months at home by myself (while hubby was working) I would literally sit in an armchair for almost an hour just feeding her (she would fall asleep in between feedings) and sometimes it was the only rest I got during the day. But then I had to go back to work and luckily I was able to pump and did that 3 times a day for several months. We had to supplement with formula sometimes too. Sadly by 8 months she was pretty much done with BF – it had become a game to her and she would bite me and pull my nipples really hard – OUCH! So I had to give it up :( I was so sad too! I had the same emotions as you all through the process as well! So grateful it worked (some of my friends couldn’t produce milk or the babies wouldn’t latch). Then exhausted. Then I was content and totally in the swing. Then sadness when it came to an end. With my 2nd daughter I had complications also from placenta percreta (the placenta grew thru my uterine wall). They had to take her 6 weeks early and remove my uterus. Little one was luckily pretty big – 5 lbs. and only had to be in NICU for 10 days, but I was one sore puppy from both a c-section and partial hysterectomy, plus other minor procedures that her birth necessitated. So between my pain and her being several floors away, I was only able to visit her once or twice a day and breastfeed. I was trying to pump also, but it was hard to sit up for so long and I was also on major painkillers (thru intravenous at first) and I didn’t want to pass so much medication to her. Once we were home I was trying to feed her as much as I could, but sadly I had to go on anti-depressants (unfortunately it runs in the family and I hate taking meds, but it has balanced me out and made me a much better mom). So again, I could only pump or breastfeed at certain times of the day when there was the least amt. of meds in me. Plus a demanding toddler who still wanted lots of attention made it difficult also. But we lasted until she was 8 months also and then she also started the biting/pulling game and I realized the gig was up. Don’t know why they both stopped at 8 months, but there ya go. I was relieved like you at first because it was very stressful to pump (and then throw away in certain cases to get rid of the highest dose of meds – it would peak in my system 6 hrs. after taking the med, so I would pump and throw it away in that case), plus breastfeeding – so finally I was free of that darn pump! But extremely sad in this case because I knew I would never breastfeed again :( I’m so grateful and happy I was able to do it for my girls, they thrived on my milk, we had awesome bonding times and it really does take the weight off – wahoo!
So happy for you Sherry and I know the dedication and determination it took for you to bf your little bean for 14 months. You’re an amazing momma and I’m so glad I found your post!
Jennifer Durham says
I love all of your posts, but this one especially so!! Congrats to you for nursing so long! I nursed my daughter until she was 18 months, and I am currently nursing my second child who is 5 weeks old. There are many ups and downs with nursing, but it is by far one of my favorite experiences ever, and the good far out ways the bad in my book. Also, thank you for sharing your birth story a while back. I could definitely relate. I had a horrible experience, with many complications, with my first, and I was very scared to have more children after that. I am happy to tell you that I had a much better delivery and recovery this time!! (even though I delivered natural the first time, and by c-sec this time) I just wanted to encourage you with that. It is possible to have a good experience after a horrific one!:)
Megan Carlisle says
This was such a great post! My daughter will be two in three weeks and I wanted to nurse so badly when I was pregnant with her. Due to pre-eclampsia, an emergency c-section and my delayed recovery from anesthesia we were unable to. My supply never came in and my daughter was given a bottle while I was still knocked out and she refused to latch. We tried to pump, but there was nothing there TO pump – I was so sad. BUT, I am pregnant with our second (and last) child, expecting in January, and can’t wait to to give it another try. This post was so encouraging and thank you so much for being understanding towards those who CAN’T nurse. I wanted to so badly and caught so much flack from complete strangers (who I secretly called the “nursing nazis”) when they saw me bottle feeding. Some people really believe that if you “can’t” nurse, you just didn’t try hard enough. I found it heartbreaking.
Reenie says
WOW….I don’t have any children …. but loved reading this post. Way to go Sherry!! :)
Kim says
Oops – I meant Clara before – shoulda proofread before submitting.
Jessica M. says
What a beautiful post Sherry!! It totally made me tear up!
I am still nursing my daughter, Emma, who turns one on Sunday & am not sure how I will react when she’s officially done. We had such a tramatic experience with an emergency c & then her not latching due to a high pallet, short tongue (thought it might have to be cut), & my flat nipples but I was determined NOT TO GIVE UP! I can remember crying every day for a month trying to get her on; we used a SNS, nipple shield, & would even finger feed her since I was determined not to do formula (she had one bottle in the hospital since they made me feel guilty). My hubby like yours was very supportive & after a few months said try doing it without the shield & she latched…oh glorious day! It has been a wonderful journey.
I am happy to go as long as she will. My mom nursed my sister & I for 18 months each & she is definitely my inspiration. I hope those women out there who are struggling yet determined will find help either in a mom’s group, LLLI, or a lactation nurse (who saved me).
Thank you for sharing your story as I have looked up to you since your baby girl is a few months older! I also love the baby-led weaning I discovered from your blog-it is so much fun watching her eat & seeing people’s reactions to what she likes. You two are such an inpiration :)
Many blessings to your family!
Jen says
What an accomplishment! I have to say that I know all of those feelings all too well! However, I unfortunately didn’t get to feed as long as you. My milk dried up in one day. That was over a year and a half ago that it happened and I still get sad about it. I think the weirdest thing for me was every once in a while I get the sensation that I am having a letdown. It freaks me out! I have had to just double check a couple of times that my shirt wasn’t wet!
Anyways, I’ll leave you with a BIG CONGRAULATIONS!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! I know what you mean about that sensation! I remember she’d be feeding off one boob and the other one would get that feeling and I’d be like “ahhhh! get me a boob pad John!” – oh man, they both wanted to be going at the same time. Haha.
xo,
s
Bridgett says
Thanks so much for sharing this! I love hearing about other mothers breastfeeding experiences and I think it’s vital for more people (women and men) to hear how commonplace breastfeeding is. I breastfed my daughter for almost two years and my son will soon be 1 and there seems to be no end in sight (and in a patting my back attitude…I’ve donated over 600oz of milk to friends in need.) I think I’ve breastfed in every place imaginable, in front of every person imaginable (ok, maybe not my boss). It will be very bittersweet when my son takes it upon himself to wean. Until then I will continue to enjoy what I can do for him (and be grateful for the amount of food that I can continue to eat.)
Julie M says
I breastfed all three of mine for about 20 months each. It was amazing and I cherish every single one of those months. What a gift you have given her.
Amber says
Thanks for sharing your experience…I enjoyed this post. My daughter (also named Clara) just turned one so I’m getting ready to wean her. My older son was weaned by his 1st birthday and It happened so naturally. I was working then so I pumped and he took bottles and the breastfeeding just lessened on its own. My daughter only breastfeeds…no bottles for her. So it feels like a brand new thing for me this time around. Luckily she has been feeding less but she’s not too interested in the whole milk either so that makes things difficult. I’m interested in trying almond milk with her. As much as I will miss that special time with her I’m ready to be free. Congrats to you for breastfeeding Clara for 14 months and 3 days! Hope you’re enjoying your new freedom. :)
Shanna says
YOU DID GOOD! I’m so so happy that you shared your experience here and did so unapologetically and happily and with a high degree of normalcy. I am so happy that nursing was such a good experience for you and Clara. It’s natural to be sad about losing that special time with her. I cried when both of my babies stopped nursing and it is honestly one of the things I miss most about having a little baby. Big hugs and a huge high five to you! You should be incredibly proud of yourself! :)
LauraC says
Thanks for sharing! I nursed our daughter 14 months as well, and loved it. Although Sophia was down to 1/day the whole last month, and our time was right before bedtime. I just finished BF our son in April, when he turned one. Unlike with our daughter, I was really ready to be done, but I think that’s because two kiddos make you so much busier than one. So now I’m really enjoying my freedom and completely relate to the awesomeness of going out with hubby for a whole evening! We left S+J with Grandma and Opa overnight a month ago and it was AWESOME! (‘course we called 4 times, but they understood!)
Alyssa says
Loved that you wrote about this. I am still yet to become a mum but it’s good to hear people’s experiences!
roryjean says
I nursed my son till he was two and my daughter weaned herself at 14 months (possibly because I was pregnant with my third and my milk supply dwindled). It’s so hard to wean them- there is just something so intimate/special about nursing your baby. My almost-three-month-old nurses every hour and a half during the day. I love that I am forced to sit and take a break, but trying to nurse while wrangling my toddler and four-year-old is an interesting task. Thanks so much for posting about breastfeeding- we live in a culture that sexualizes breasts so much- I wish we could openly breastfeed without people thinking it was weird or feeling uncomfortable. It’s natural and healthy and beautiful. I’ve found that the only way I can go to the grocery store (or anywhere, really) with all the kids is if I bring my nursing cover and my baby carrier- I have mastered how to nurse my infant in the carrier- It’s awesome.
carole says
thanks for posting your story. you’re so positive and non-judgemental, I hope it inspires others (to try to stick with breastfeeding and/or not to feel guilty if it doesn’t)
Annalisa says
thanks for this! it’s encouraging. i have a 9 week old who eb no paci/bottle/pump and we’re every 2 hrs with 10hrs at night. i get comments about longer stretches but i’ll take the night sleep. i did have an easy delivery but she had a bad latch for the first 4 weeks which led to blisters. glad you enjoyed ebf – so far i am loving it!
Amanda@reno366 says
That was quite an accomplishment to bf as long as you did! I just started my bf journey with my son of 3 mon. You really don’t know how emotional the whole experience is until you live it. I was told to switch to formula a month ago b/c of allergies to my milk. Fortunately, my son did not like the bottle, nor the formula and I’m still bf. I didn’t know how much I enjoyed bf till I was told not to! And yes, you become a champ at feeding in the target parking lot and other places! I hope my son doesn’t continue his every 2 hr thing for ever! But looks like I could be in for the long haul if he sticks to Clara’s schedule!
Serah Freeman says
Beautiful post. I always enjoy your personal stories. Congrats to you and Clara for 14 months! Awesome!
Toy Warden says
It took us about 2 months of mixing formula (which she’d take fine occasionally when I went out) with whole milk in various proportions to get her to get on board with cow’s milk. I totally understand how it can take a month! It’s amazing how once that cow’s milk is in place how quickly they’re like “Nevermind about the boob being my best friend forever”.
My girls also were every 2 hour babies until they started finger foods. I personally think these every 4 hour kids are a myth, but I guess it happens?
Michele says
Great post, Sherry! My second son is 3 months old now, and we went on a big family vacay to Maui when he was 4 weeks old. He is the same kind of sleeper as Clara, so my days in Hawaii were chock-full of me sitting on the balcony by myself, breastfeeding the wee one. I totally feel you on the less-than-idealness of that whole scenario. :)
good job with your 14 month boobie adventure, and well done Miss Clara for taking to the organic milk! It’s hard to transition away from nursing, but I certainly enjoyed my freedom from it after my first son.
:)
Anne says
I loved, loved (did I mention loved) reading this. As a soon-to-be first time mom I have already been thinking about breast feeding and remembering all of the horrible stories I have heard from others (like you mentioned…sore breasts, cracked nipples, etc.). I fully intend on giving it a go, but had been hoping to hear a “good” story. I know my results may be different all together, but hearing a good news story is so fresh and inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing. And by the way, Clara is so beautiful!
Sarah says
Just curious, my little one is now 7 weeks old, and I’m just getting brave enough to venture out and about with her (we live in South Carolina, and the heat/humidity is really tough for a little baby, hence staying close to home for the first few weeks.) I’m curious though, do you have a favorite nursing bra/nursing tops? I’m having a hard time finding pieces that don’t look awful.
YoungHouseLove says
I never found a nursing bra I liked so I got a good no-underwire molded cup one with some support (by Playtex I think? from Target) and just pulled it up or down to nurse. The whole thing was stretchy like a sports bra because there wasn’t an underwire but it gave me some shape/support since it had a molded cup. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Donna Jean says
Hot Milk – worth every penny! Especially if you are – umm – “blessed” in that area! And, they purrty, too!
marissa says
We’re waiting to have our first, any day now, and I’m so hoping breastfeeding will work out. Thanks for the positive and encouraging post! When preparing for a baby, it feels as though often, people don’t write about their experiences unless they were gruesome and horrific. People’s honesty is totally awesome, but it’s nice to have it balanced by good experiences as well! Thanks!
Mindy says
Congrats! It’s a wonderful season, isn’t it? I breasfed Liv for 6 months, and like you, it went really well. I’m so thankful we had that time together! It is bittersweet when it ends, but I love that she is so self-sufficient now; lets mama have a little freedom. :)
Polina says
Wow! Our experiences are so different! I had very hard time breastfeeding, no sleep whatsoever and could not even leave house because my baby hated being in the car seat. My lack of sleep was so severe that I started to experience memory loss.
Breastfeeding was very painful for me for the first 6-8 weeks. I had engorgement and oversupply issues and 3 episodes of mastitis that required hospital visits and antibiotics. My breasts were like rocks and baby was not able to suckle any milk out of it, so she just keep crying and my nipples were bleeding chewed to shreds. Despite the challenges I stuck with it and was so grateful that we were able to continue. I breastfeed every 2 hours during the day for at least 45 minutes each time and every 2-3 hours at night for a long time. I never had an 8 hour sleep stretch until my baby was 16 months old and even now at 2 years old it’s a rare treat.
I was not fond of pumping, but I did not have an option since I had to go back to work, and my daughter preffered drinking from the source too, so we bought a bunch of bottles trying to find the one that she would take and thankfully she did!
I have also decided to do baby-led weaning, but my experience is different here as well. My little darling is 1 year older than Clara and is still happily nursing and showing no interest in stopping, i really do worry that i will be nursing until she is off to college :-) I was not able to introduce milk or almond milk because my little girl is allergic to both nuts and dairy among other things :( I had “green pregnancy”, breastfeed exclusively, did delayed introduction to solids and never had any allergies myself so I was pretty shocked that my baby has multiple food allergies. I feel so blessed that despite all the challenges I was able to continue breastfeeding, since it’s been my saving grace in the face of all those food allergies to be able to nourish my baby.
I always wondered how you had time to blog when I barely had time to breathe :-) Now I understand, Clara is just an incredibly easy baby.
Jenn says
Great post. Congratulations. It makes me sad because I only breastfed for 6 weeks for a variety of reasons, though I know it’s a different deal for everyone…
Mindy says
Oh my LORD that’s a long time at such constant intervals! But the night time sleep must have been heaven.
Both my kids only went about 4 months. Which sucked (ha ha ha)for a variety of reasons. And yes, there was crusty, bloody scabs and pain. So much so, that every time they would latch on in the beginning, it would take everything I had not to punch them in the head. (Clearly I never would have done that – I’m just trying to make a point. It friggin’ hurt.)
I’m 10 weeks pregnant now and was just asking my hubs last night, “when will they stop huuuurting?!” I’m hopin’ at about 12 weeks. You’re lucky you got to forgo the soreness.
I was told by a girlfriend that if you start rubbing them (nipples, not babies) with a washcloth at about 4 months along, you won’t get the raw bloody stumps when it comes time to feed the new little critter. I say, it’s worth a shot!
Stacy says
Way to go! I breastfed my son until he was 15 months and was really glad I did it. You should check out this cute website I ran across called The Milk Truck. It’s all about helping mom’s breastfeed in peace when they are being ridiculed in public :) http://www.themilktruck.org
YoungHouseLove says
Off to check it out!
xo,
s
marnilla says
Good for you, and even better for Clara!
My babies are both in their twenties now but I breastfed both of them for a loong time. (I was a hippy) I’m not even going to tell you how old the second one was before she was completely weaned. I absolutely loved nursing. It was easy, it was cheap, it was safe, I was passing along my immunities. As a bonus, neither kid every used a pacifier or drank from a bottle, has any food allergies. Neither of them had as many throwing up illnesses as other kids I knew and both were healthy happy eaters as children.
I’m glad it was a good experience for you, and I’m also glad you blogged about it.
gayla says
I loved reading your breastfeeding story! Our little one is 8 weeks old, and it has gone really well so far (knock on wood). I hope I can continue breastfeeding him as long as you were able to with Clara! So awesome. And thanks for sharing. :)
Terra says
I had my daughter a week ago yesterday and we’re breastfeeding. I’ve already thought about giving up and going to pumping & bottles (from day 1 she had to use a nipple shield and tube since the Dr thought she NEEDED some formula since she was 5.11 at birth, gr). But just this morning I was able to get her to latch for the first time on my own, and after reading this it makes me really want to keep going. Good for you for being able to do it so long, you should be so proud!
Tara says
Thank you for sharing that! My experience with my daughter was so similar (though our start was more painful, it seems). Once we got the hang of it, she was a dedicated, exclusive nurser with NO BOTTLES NO PACIFIERS NO SIPPY CUPS NO PUMPS. Just me. And she stuck with it, tapering off like your sweetie did, for 17 months. It was the hardest, most amazing, most intense, most rewarding thing I ever did. I am like you–whatever makes a healthy baby is a-okay–but even 14 years later, I feel so lucky to have had that experience. Congratulations!
Jennifer says
Thanks for sharing this! My baby boy is 2 weeks old and I hope and pray that we have a successful breastfeeding story like you and Clara!
Allyce says
This is such an inspiring post! I feel like a lot of the time we hear stories about moms that have a hard time and that can be discouraging to expecting mothers who plan to breastfeed (like myself) so I absolutely loves reading this. I especially loved your positive outlook on the experience and that you did not focus on the part about being constantly “on call” or in high demand with your girl. Thank you so much for this post!
Jessica says
Aww, thanks for this post, Sherry! My 16 month old is still nursing when he wakes up and right before bed, and I’m struggling to get him to take milk in a cup. I’m going to try the almond milk, thanks for sharing how you made that work :) Breastfeeding has been the most wonderful experience for me as a mother. I love holding a warm baby, rocking them, knowing that my body provides everything that they need. What a gift! Even though I’ve gotten thrush within the first month with all of my babies (c-section antibiotics, boo), and felt the same feelings of alienation as I excused myself for the millionth time during family visits and socials, it has been worth it. Be proud of yourself, and what you’ve done for Clara, and for your own body!
P.S. The extra calorie burning is my 2nd favorite part of breastfeeding! Nothing like slimming down while sitting and snuggling with your baby :)
Angela Smith says
Go you! That’s amazing! I breastfed both of my babies for about 27 months each. I miss it so much! They are now 7 and 10 and healthy as an ox! I love nursing my babies…I loved the closeness and the bonding…I just loved nursing. Neither of mine would take a bottle or a pacifier either, so it was mommy all the way. I also nursed on demand, which I honestly got quite a bit of flack for. Everyone kept telling me they needed to be on a schedule. I would just look at them and think…Really? My two week old needs to be on a schedule? It worked well for me. I also just nursed in public (discreetly, of course). But I also live in Utah, where public breastfeeding *seems* to be a bit more acceptable than other places.
Jennifer says
yay for breastfeeding and an even bigger yay for blogging about it in such an open and positive, yet realistic way!
I would like to note, however, that unless you are trying to wean your child, you don’t need to give them cow’s milk. It often ends up taking the place of human milk (as i did in Clara’s case) and it is pretty obvious from a scientific and common sense perspective that human milk is better than cow milk for humans. Also, not offering to nurse, and instead waiting until your little one asks to nurse is a form of parent-led weaning. And there is mountains of evidence that from a nutritional and a developmental standpoint there is an advantage to continuing the breast-feeding relationship to two years and beyond.
That being said, I do not judge you or others AT ALL for how you raise your children! Clara is obviously VERY loved and THAT is what is important!!!! I just feel that the scientific info about breastfeeding beyond a year gets lost in the effort to get women to breastfeeding at all. And my personal experience nursing my daughter was that it became even more magical in the second year (and it was pretty darn magical that first year, just a little stressful too!) And it saved us a long hospital stay when she was 18 months and very sick with pneumonia (yes she was vaccinated against it) because she nursed continually she was first hospitalized and we were sent home after a few hours because she was doing so well despite having an x- ray that showed her lungs to look worse than most other kids that ended up at the hospital for 3-4 days.
Cheers to you and your beautiful family for all the wonderful choices that you make, regardless of whether they are the same ones I make!
Katelyn says
I asked the question about Clara getting cow’s milk and Sherry answered that in their case there was a medical need for a higher fat content than her milk was providing. She indicated that Clara was dropping off her weight charts and that this was reversed when they were able to add in the higher fat content milk.
For most babies breastmilk will mean no need for other milk, but evidently not for all. :) Just wanted to share.
Josephine says
Sherry, thanks for sharing this! My son Oliver was born the exact same day as Clara so I especially enjoy hearing how she is coming along, and perhaps even more, how you and John are going on this whole parenting trip ;-)
Oliver is a total bf addict, even my going back to work didn’t slow him down. It’s funny, I read this post with mixed emotions: (a) I can imagine how you must be feeling to have it come to an end, I’ve always loved b’feeding, but (b) I’m envious, I’m hoping in the end that Oliver self weans, I can’t bear the though of having to force him off. But I’ll admit I’m feeling ready for him to wind up the breastfeeds!
Hugs to you. Clara looks to be a very special little girl, you and John have much to be proud of ;-)
Donna Jean says
My son just turned 13 months on Friday and is still nursing at least 5 times a day and seems to be showing no interest in weening. I’m really thrilled b/c our first week was really rough, mostly due to the fact that the hospital gave my son 3 bottles even after being specifically asked not to – ugh!! It led to some really lazy nursing (on my son’s part) and lots of crying (on both our parts) but I was determined to stick it out and I am so glad that I did – that and cloth diapers are the 2 best parenting decisions that my husband and I have ever made!
Good for you for nursing for 14 months and for letting Clara lead the way when it came to deciding when to ween. And while she might not be nursing anymore, there is no reason why you can’t still have your morning cuddle time to start off both of your days! (That’s my favorite time of the morning, too!)
Jenny A. says
That’s very similar to my breastfeeding story with my son. He nursed for 16 months and decided one day he was done. It was bittersweet for me, too. My daughter nursed for around 14 months but I worked and she was used to using a bottle for what I pumped. It’s terrible to say, but I don’t really remember the last time I nursed her. She’ll be 13 in August and it seems so long ago. Now I just feel sad… My babies are growing-up.
Erin says
I appreciate you making this post about breastfeeding. I will be a first time mom in February and without question I will breastfeed. My sister nursed both of her sons and I noticed there was a certain connection between mommy and baby. She too was sad when her oldest son weaned at a year old because he just grew up too fast! I am looking forward to those moments with my baby and I can’t wait until the baby is here!!
Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says
I still remember how I cried when that day came, too. It’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t been there…but I totally get it. But trust me Sherry, Clara will NEVER be “over you.” When she’s 85, she’ll still love and cherish her Mom and want her in her life as much as possible.
Kathy says
Thanks for this post Sherry. Although 4 of my 5 children are grown now this reminded me of all those same emotions I had when nursing them. I still feel that time was one of the most wonderful experiences in my life and am grateful to have had it. I know it’s sad now :( but you will always look back at this time as nothing but amazing.
Liz says
I am delighted you posted your experience! She won’t be when she’s 14, but hoefully it’ll be archieved (sp?) deep enough to NOT turn up on FB. (I’m a middle school counselor-so, I’ve seen a lot) Anywho, I exclusively breastfeed the 5 yr-old until 13 1/2 months and my 3 yr old until 8 months. (while I planned two babies 22 months apart, I may have bitten off more than I could chew. And, while I didn’t make it to 12 months with baby #2-I’m proud of what I did considering I went back to work when he was 6 mo.) My experience was same as you-mostly awesome-at times a little tough, (especially in the beginning.) Looking back-I have nothing but happiness and pride in my choice. I think there are plenty of good formulas out there, and thank goodness for mom’s that have difficulty or adoptive parents, but If you have the desire and ability…. It’s the best!!! Kudos $herdog!