A few weeks ago I thought we were weaning. Henry didn’t ask to nurse for a few days, I offered but he wasn’t interested, we were down to only nursing about once a day so I wasn’t surprised but I was sad. One day he did ask to nurse but got distracted by my sandwich “bite?”
I mourned the closing of this chapter, commiserated with some mama friends, and then that night Hen climbed up into my lap and asked “boob?”
I admit I was a little relieved. I know it’s silly, 20 months old with another on the way and not quite ready to let go of my baby.
So it was funny that last week I didn’t notice when Henry actually weaned at all. No tears, no sadness. I guess I got my mourning out of the way a few weeks ago. I admit that I had no desire to tandem nurse. I really am glad to be done, even if I don’t get my body back just yet.
People will say “well done” and “congrats on making it this far” and honestly it doesn’t feel like an accomplishment. Nursing and pumping full time for a full year, fighting low supply (most likely due to PCOS) every step of the way, that was an accomplishment! That was hard work and I’m exceedingly proud that I was able to hang in there and that my body cooperated, even if it did so kicking and screaming.
The last 8 months were easy, icing on the cake, and the most natural thing in the world. I’m so grateful that it was gentle, easy, and on Henry’s timeline.
I was a little worried that I wouldn’t know how to comfort Hen in this new post nursing world, but when he fell and bumped his head the other day he crawled into my lap and cried and we hugged and in a minute he felt better and toddled off to get his train, and I felt like we were done.
it’s funny you say that – I was also afraid of the first fall when I wouldn’t be able to let Liam comfort nurse and then it was no biggie. these little guys just know when they’re ready to stop. so amazing
I’m determined to master nursing in the wrap for this next monster – you definitely rocked that!
congrats on your whole nursing journey!
Huge milestone. Bittersweet, I know. Merritt is on his way out and I am ready too. Love this picture. I wish I had more like it of myself with my boys.
I am so proud of you! You stuck with it despite all the really tought times and bumps in the road. You are an inspiration!
I am about to hit the 12-month mark with my little man and neither of us have any interest in weaning. I have read your blog for over 2 years and rarely comment but this post really hit home for me. This picture – it’s so great! You have helped make full-term nursing very normal (and doable) for me and I imagine many others who read tour blog. Watching you battle low supply and juggle nursing and pumping with work and all your other responsibilities has been a real inspiration to me! When I have low days sometimes thinking of other mamas who are powering on helps inspire me, and often you are one of those people I think of. Hope this isn’t weirding you out or like I am stalkerish!! But I do not know too many other mommas who have embraced nursing as you have and I want to thank you for all the posts and pictures of your journey. Henry is amazing and I am so excited for you to be a mommy x2! congratulations!