Since I started Riley’s new sleeping and eating schedule about 3 weeks ago, he progressively nursed less & less and completely quit during the night just 2 days in. It has caused my milk supply to deplete to now almost nothing. He actually hasn’t nursed at all in 2 whole weeks. This is a bittersweet time for me because a big part of me is so glad that he is not waking up in the middle of the night just to be nursed back to sleep, but a bigger part of me misses it. Right after Riley was born, a lady we go to church with kept telling me that I would miss those 2 am feedings & at that time I thought she was crazy for saying that. I was so ready for a full night of sleep it wasn't funny! But now that he isn't breastfeeding anymore I do miss it, even at 2 am. Breastfeeding a baby is way more than just that. It is a bonding time with a feeling of closeness that I really can’t explain. Plus, it’s sooo healthy for the baby…not to mention cheap! I know Riley has had his fair share of breast milk since he nursed for 8.5 months, but I'm having a hard time giving it up. I guess it’s just one of those things that only a breastfeeding mom would understand. Riley has done pretty well with the change, but if it were completely up to me I wouldn’t quit just yet. My body is just not making it like it used to, though. I thought about taking Fenugreek to try & bring it back, but decided against it. Maybe it is time, especially since Riley seems ready to be weaned & has completely switched to a bottle without any problems. My little boy is growing up too fast. I know I say that all the time, but time is really flying. I never thought I would be emotional about breastfeeding, but I've thought that about a lot of things & being a mother has proved me wrong.
I know what you mean to an extent. I could only nurse Jayden for three weeks because I wasn't producing enough milk; due to a surgery I had 5 years ago. I was devastated when I couldn't do it anymore, I felt like less of a mom because of it. So... I feel ya, sister!
ReplyDeleteBut look at it this way... No more pulling out your boob in public! And you'll start to feel this freedom from it soon. If not... then you always make the choice to have another baby! ;) Ha! Just kidding!
Thanks Jessica for the sweet comments!! Riley is adorable!! I can't say I know what you are going through because Caroline only breastfed for less than a month, due to a severe milk protein allergy. Hopefully, Corbin will be able to :)
ReplyDeleteI am not to that stage yet, but it make sme sad just thinking about. I get frustrated at times because it seems like all I get done is breastfeeding but I do love and I will miss it so much!! But you did great with it and especially lasting until he was 8.5 months old!!
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry! I just realized you commented on my blog and had a question! Silly me!
ReplyDeleteNot a problem. I have a Canon XTI. It’s wonderful and I highly recommend Canon’s because you can buy generic parts for it, unlike the Nikon. It’s wonderful! I sure would like to upgrade, but that has to wait for now.
I hope that helps and you have to tell me when you purchase it!! :)