Friday, October 19, 2012

Breastfeeding vs. Weaning

My baby is 8 1/2 months and I made the decision to stop nursing. This is the longest I have breastfed with any of my children. I also balance work so I have to pump as well.
Here is a brief history:
Child #1: 7 months with supplementing
Child #2: 4 months
Child #3: 6 months exclusive!
Child #4: 8 months mostly exclusive, slight supplementing in last 2 months.
I enjoy the cuddling and special down time with my baby.
I appreciate that no one else can provide nourishment for the human being I have brought to life.
I love sitting down to have the life sucked out of me and just dozing off during a feed.
I am proud that I am able to arm my newborn with antibodies and vitamins to start her off on the right foot.
I will miss it.
But I am simultaneously celebrating the freedom that comes with weaning.
Hold your bottle while I feed the other children their dinner.
Go to bed on your own with a full stomach.
Grab this in the middle of the night when I don't want to be awake.
Go where I want when I want.
Let someone else help.
Work a full day without worrying about making time to pump.

I am moving on. We have closed a chapter in this book. I will remember it fondly.

Come again!