I have several friends that made it to the 12 months and beyond mark- they are working momma's and stay at home momma's, so either way it is absolutely possible to do it. When I made the decision to nurse, they were my idols, that was what I was striving for. Dann however, always the realist in these occasions told me to make that the overall goal, but set small goals in between.
Goal one was to get her to latch... check.
Goal two was to go a month... Check
Goal three, three months... Check
Goal four, pump at work enough to send to daycare each day... check
Goal five, six months... Check
Once we started introducing solids into Ashtyn's diet I noticed my supply went to hell fast, and then around 7.5 months pumping at work stopped completely. However, goal six was still 9 months... checkGoal two was to go a month... Check
Goal three, three months... Check
Goal four, pump at work enough to send to daycare each day... check
Goal five, six months... Check
By not pumping at work I was still giving her the AM feeding, and her evening feeding which to me still seemed like a good thing. That was working out well until her top two teeth finally dropped. Nursing was incredibly uncomfortable, and Ashtyn's attention span was admirably shorter then that of a butterfly. The evening feeding took a hike right after she turned 9 months old.
Then she started teething again, and uncomfortable went to excruciating. The decision to stop became a no brainer when I feared she might take some of me with her during our next nursing session. Considering my supply had gotten so low I wasn't really that worried about it, and so far I don't seem to be having any issues.
I really enjoyed my time being that sole food source, I wouldn't trade those times with her for anything and I know whenever we welcome Baby Galster #2 I will do it again without any question. I have to admit though, I'm really excited to wear fun bras again, and not having to plan my life around her next feeding is a huge relief.
To all the moms that made it to one year and beyond I applaud you! To all of those that want to nurse their baby, regardless of how long it is a wonderful expereince and truely worth any discomfort and are thinking about taking that route (regardless of how long) it is so worth it!
~S~
All I have to say is, congrats on making it as far as you did! 9+ months is a tremendous accomplishment, and you can reset assured that during those first very important months of Ashtyn's life, you gave her the best, the absolute best!
ReplyDeleteBe proud of what you've done and feel NO shame in stopping. You're right, only breastfeeding mamas understand the astounding dedication it takes to breastfeed your baby for that long. I'm glad you're happy with your decision, because feeling bad about it isn't worth the mental anguish. You're still feeding your baby, and that's what matters!
Congrats again, Sara!
xo
Mere