When I decided to return to work early, I feared that it would mean the end of breastfeeding. I had decided that I wouldn't express, and that if A wanted milk while I was at work then she would have formula.
She drank from a bottle like she'd been doing it her whole life. She has tried different formulas without batting an eyelid. And she continued her morning and night breastfeeds like nothing has changed at all. I just love her to tits. Oops, I mean bits, I love her to bits.
A was having four breastfeeds a day, so a week before my return to work, I dropped one feed. This just meant that after her morning nap, instead of offering her the breast, I offered her a bottle. After 4 days, I dropped the afternoon feed the same way. It caused me more pain than her, I was so full and uncomfortable, but it was short lived.
She was having a breastfeed before bed as well, but we dropped that a couple of weeks ago. I was feeling pretty good about it. She loves her bottle now, she gets so excited when she sees it coming. The few times that she's sooked and clawed at my shirt to find some boob, I've let her have it, and gradually she's stopped asking.We were keeping up the morning breastfeed, but M accidentally pulled the plug on that by giving her a bottle a few mornings last week. So just like that, it's all over...
I must admit, I'm really worried about what it will do to my weight. I know, so vain, right? But when she's not burning those calories for me anymore, I fear it means I'll have to reduce my intake!
And this officially makes A my longest breastfed baby. J stopped by 5 months and H stopped at 10 months, babygirl turns 1 in a couple of weeks.
And my poor, deflated breasts. They've had a good run. They're in need of some work. Sponsor a boob job, anyone?
I was so sad when I stopped breastfeeding, and I didn't think Cerys would give it up without a fight - but she did. I have happy memories of it (even all those night feeds!).
ReplyDeleteHow cute does A look with those flowers on her head?! Gorgeous girl xx
My bub is 11 months and we are trying to wean as I am away for 4 nights next weekend. She has never taken to the bottle but will drink from a cup so I'm hoping all will be ok but she is not dropping feeds as easily as I hoped. I may have fed for longer as she is my last baby but I have been pregnant of feeding for the past 5 years now so I am ready for the break. Thanks sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteYou've done so well with the breast feeding and given all of your kids a great start. Don't worry about your weight. You are one fit and trim lady. Besides chasing after three kids burns truckloads of kjs.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Kelly! Such a milestone! I've pretty much weaned my 15 month old, but unfortunately he hasn't taken to formula or milk... he has a little cheese and a little yoghurt- I started trying to hide formula into ice-cream, but he didn't seem to care for it! I'm with you on the calories- I gained a couple of kilos after ceasing breastfeeding, and now find I have to be a little bit careful with my diet.
ReplyDeleteWell done, you've done such a good job! And well done to A too, what a little champ!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! It is sad when they stop completely. And I have next to no boobs left after 4 babies feeding until 16/17 months.
ReplyDeleteOh It's sad when It's all over. But the day must come! I'm just going to keep plugging on as long as I can I think. B is 1 now. I stopped feeding P when she was 15 months. I might go til 2 with B, we will see. Such a milestone!! I worry about the weight issue too, I need to get a hold of myself stat or when I do stop I'll end up the size of a bus.
ReplyDeleteDon't even get me started on my girls - totally in need of some loving - so not happening though - maybe just a lift but not a job - xx
ReplyDeletehehe I just wrote a goodbye to breastfeeding just recently too. I'm glad to get back into my old bras!
ReplyDeleteAw, I'm close to it being over for me too. I was just thinking about that this week. But I've had a long run. It was 18 months with my first and almost 2 years with my second. I was so surprised by the first weaning I remember crying (and posted about it). Yet feeding a toddler is quite different from a baby and I am more happy for it to be over. I'm also more aware and ready but since she's my last baby it's still sad. I know it's more of a milestone for me. She won't remember. After all, I've no memory of when I weaned! ;-)
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My son will be one in early may. I am slowly preparing myself for the deflated boobs and maybe some more night time sleep?but this is the last child for us (we have 3 kids)so the last BF will be one of mixed feelings. Now I really have to think about work again. Boo hoo.
ReplyDeleteI have happy memories too, it's funny how much you miss the night feeds when they're no longer happening :(
ReplyDeleteThanks honey, I think she's pretty gorgeous! xx
Some babies just can't stand a bottle, I had one of those! Good luck with the weaning, I'm sure that the experience of your body being your own again will be bittersweet x
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda. Chasing after 3 kids DOES burn some kjs, exhausting! But better than exercising, in my opinion ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen. What a shame that he won't take formula or milk! Have you tried soy milk or goats milk? My almost 3yr old only has soy milk. And damn that post-breastfeeding weight gain! Damn it to hell!
ReplyDeleteThanks champ!
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad goodbye isn't it? (To the boobs, not the feeding lol)
ReplyDeleteAwesome job Sarah, well done!
ReplyDeleteI used to need just a lift, then I had number 3, now definitely in need of more than a lift! Sigh. xx
ReplyDeleteMy old bras don't fit anymore! :( I'll pop over and check out your post :)
ReplyDeleteWell done Veronica, that's awesome! I was incredibly upset weaning my first and second, but this time I'm feeling different about it. It could be just because I have more on my mind this time though.
ReplyDeleteThe more night time sleep is a blessing :) I'm not sure if this will be my last, probably why I'm not overly worried about weaning this time. Good luck!
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