Experiences and words of wisdom

[USAFeyez06]

Wow... I never thought I could make it to a year breastfeeding. I am so proud of myself and feel so accomplished!!!!

However, my little one has been showing signs of weaning, which is fine with me and I am letting her do this on her own, but it is a bittersweet moment. Recently, she was breastfeeding most of the day and took 2 supplement cups, but within the last couple weeks, she has been totally content with a supplement and no breastfeeding before her naps (I could NEVER put her to sleep without breastfeeding first). Just put her down and she wants to put herself to sleep. So, we are down to one feeding in the morning and another feeding before bedtime. I intend to keep these until she lets go of those on her own as well. However, tonight she finished, let go of the breast, and wanted me to put her down in her crib so she could put herself to sleep.

I am amazed by her. She was such an avid breastfeeder, so much so that she wouldn't take a bottle or sippy cup until she was about 10 months old and would only go to sleep breastfeeding. She is growing up and becoming independent enough to want to put herself to sleep and doesn't "need" me as much anymore. (Can't say it's not nice, but I will miss this).

So, basicially, while we are still breastfeeding, we are slowly entering the end. I was feeding her tonight in her room and started tearing while thinking that I wouldn't have this "forever." Man, I went through so much with her from multiple food allergies, constant feedings, and not taking any food from anyone else. She "needed" me.

I just felt like I needed to express the bittersweetness to the women who got me through all this and kept me at it for this long. I also needed women who would understand me.

I know I'm kind of jumping the gun since it's not over completely, but the thought brings tears to my eyes. I must say it all worked out since I wanted to make it to a year and start weaning... she is just making it easier for me.

Thanks ladies for all your support through this past year and thanks for all the advice and words of encouragement. I may need you again here... will you share you experiences when your lo's stopped breastfeeding? Are these feelings of "bittersweet" normal, even if I do want to stop, in a way? I'm sad and happy at the same time. (And damn proud of myself!!!!) :hugegrin:

[USAFeyez06]

Ok... one more thing...

Is it normal to be so upset because I feel she doesn't "need" me anymore? Felt like she needed me this whole time and I'M scared to let that go.

Gosh, I sound wierd, don't I?

[NewMum]

Are these feelings of "bittersweet" normal, even if I do want to stop, in a way? I'm sad and happy at the same time. (And damn proud of myself!!!!)

Of course it's normal!! Just like after you had your baby, you probably missed feeling her inside your tummy!! (Or at least I miss that part..)

You should be proud!!

[NewMum]

Is it normal to be so upset because I feel she doesn't "need" me anymore?

This too is normal. Just remember that she will always need you... in different ways, no matter how old she gets, how independent she grows or how far away she lives. You are her mom!

[tifttu]

I am so proud you stuck it out! I remember how rocky your road was and look where you are today!!! It's very normal to have the feelings you're having, but like PP said, she will ALWAYS need you in different ways. DS is almost 4, fully weaned, potty trained, and off to preschool 2 days a week now. He still looks at me sometimes and says, "Mommy, you're home," with a look of complete love and relief on his face (DH travels a lot). I know it's his way of showing me he still needs me around.

[whitnessforhim]

You should be so proud for making it to a year! DD's 11mo. and counting and I can't imagine the emotions I will go through when she decides she's done. I would imagine it'd be exactly how you described it.

Congrats on making it to a year and how wonderful it is that your LO has made the transition an easy one.

[madelsmama]

I remember all the struggles you were having a few months ago. Amazing, isn't it?

A couple of points:

One, you baby might continue to nurse a mere 2 times a day, even once a day for months to years, so take courage that she may continue to nurse for a while yet.

Two, don't be afraid to offer the breast. Sometimes a baby that age gets easily distracted and busy but is still interested in nursing. Nursing until the age of 18-24 months is important for both immunological and nutritional reasons.

DD1 nursed until she was 2 1/2 yrs. I distinctly remember when she was about 10 months old, taking a shower and feeling a deep sadness that our breastfeeding time was near a close (this is when I though I was 'supposed to' wean at 12 months).

After her first birthday, she probably got down to nursing 3-4 times a day at some point. My supply all but disappeared after a short ski trip away from her and resultant surgery (dehydration, injury, lack of effective pump for that situation all played a part) when she was 19 months old. She began nursing again when I came back home (after 6 days) and was nursing 3 times a day. I became pregnant when she was 27 months, and shortly thereafter the frequency decreased to twice daily, then once, and then she no longer asked. We were able to talk about no more mamma's milk, and she was sure that she was done. I was confident that she was ready to wean, so, while the last few days of breastfeeding were kinda sad (I also felt as though she didn't 'need' me anymore), I feel proud that things went the way that they did.

[dodoe80]

Congratulations on the one year mark. I am only at the 7 1/2 month point but am already dreading and eagerly anticipating the one year mark.

[sweetkisses]

Congratulations on making a year!

I agree with Madelsmama. It is very possible that she will still want to nurse but only a couple times a day.

At one year dd was only nursing 3-4 times a day. During her 2nd year she weaned to 1-2 times a day and now it is pretty much once a day. It has been that way for a while.

I also think it is very normal to have the feelings you are having. I have those same thoughts at times. Sometimes I want her to wean but then it also makes me sad to think about that part of our relationship being over.