Today marked a momentous occasion. I have stopped breastfeeding
I made the decision to stop feeding the baby about a month ago in light of the fact that I would be returning to work (albeit 2 days a week) and that doing 8 months was an amazing achievement. I have been stopping for a few weeks now, changing over one feed a week but today was the day I drop the last one. I held on to the first feed of the day, partly through lazyness as I could give him milk as soon as he woke up without worrying about kettles and sterilisers and what not. But tomorrow, tomorrow he will have to wait, for tomorrow he has bottles.
I have loved breastfeeding, much more than I ever thought I would. I was lucky enough to have no problems- we both took to it straight away, and I was impressed with how easy and convenient it was. But all good things come to an end, and this felt like the right end. Finally I can wear my old bras and summer dresses which would have been impractical if not impossible to discreetly feed in.
I have nothing but respect for those that feed their children into toddler-hood, it is still the best thing for them, but alas, it is not for me. At 8 months I am started to get the 'are you STILL feeding him yourself' head tilts, and I am longing for the independence that bottles bring.
It is odd though, having to plan how long I will be out, and pack the bottles and milk accordingly. I used to shove a muslin in my handbag and I would be done. They work as the perfect breastfeeding cover, tucked into a bra strap and pulled out into a diamond shape to protect your modesty.
But it is done. Boobs are no more, bottles are this season's must have. He doesn't seem to care!
I made the decision to stop feeding the baby about a month ago in light of the fact that I would be returning to work (albeit 2 days a week) and that doing 8 months was an amazing achievement. I have been stopping for a few weeks now, changing over one feed a week but today was the day I drop the last one. I held on to the first feed of the day, partly through lazyness as I could give him milk as soon as he woke up without worrying about kettles and sterilisers and what not. But tomorrow, tomorrow he will have to wait, for tomorrow he has bottles.
I have loved breastfeeding, much more than I ever thought I would. I was lucky enough to have no problems- we both took to it straight away, and I was impressed with how easy and convenient it was. But all good things come to an end, and this felt like the right end. Finally I can wear my old bras and summer dresses which would have been impractical if not impossible to discreetly feed in.
I have nothing but respect for those that feed their children into toddler-hood, it is still the best thing for them, but alas, it is not for me. At 8 months I am started to get the 'are you STILL feeding him yourself' head tilts, and I am longing for the independence that bottles bring.
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| These now follow me everywhere |
It is odd though, having to plan how long I will be out, and pack the bottles and milk accordingly. I used to shove a muslin in my handbag and I would be done. They work as the perfect breastfeeding cover, tucked into a bra strap and pulled out into a diamond shape to protect your modesty.
But it is done. Boobs are no more, bottles are this season's must have. He doesn't seem to care!
Well done on your 8 month achievement!
ReplyDeleteWe lasted two weeks as Leo would not latch on. I do love bottle feeding though, and I find it very conveniant.
Welcome to the world of formula! xx
It is still a bit of a novelty making up bottles, don't think it will last!
DeleteI was in two minds about weaning. Although I was longing to have my body back, and was looking forward to the day that someone else could feed the baby, the convenience of breastfeeding was just fantastic. I have to admit that the calorie drain of breastfeeding was a big plus, too - never have I been able to eat so much without putting on weight! I do miss that :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, I must say that I am smaller now than before I got pregnant. . . let's see if that changes now!
DeleteEight months is amazing. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI lasted six weeks with my eldest, and four days with littlest. Neither would latch on and I had to feed through a nipple shield - with various painful complications.
Wish I'd been able to do six months at least. That was my aim when I was pregnant. But the reality just didn't match up to the actual experience for me.
Bottles were quick and convenient for me. Sterilising is necessary and a bit of a faff. But I never messed around with heating the formula. My boys always took the milk at room temperature. (A tip, in case that makes things easier for you).
My boy is the least fussy baby so long as he is getting his milk! He will take it from anything, anywhere and at any temperature!
DeleteI understand that breastfeeding isn't as easy for everyone and I was lucky to have such a good experience of it. The best thing for your baby is to be relaxed so if it is too painful it isn't always worth carrying on.
Thanks for commenting
Well done on feeding for 8 months- I felt exactly the same as you when I gave up, in fact I just dug out a post I wrote on it so you could see dmemakesthree.co.uk/index.php/home/the-beginning-of-the-end I gave up in October and was really sad but soon enjoyed giving her bottles just as much! x
ReplyDeleteLovely post, I have read and commented on it, Thanks for sharing x
DeleteI was the same as you, never had any troubles with breast feeding and absolutely loved it but only lasted 4 months! So hats of you you hun! But I remember my last day of breast feeding, I cried big time! I felt guilt for giving up as I knew it was best for my daughter and also losing that closeness that you can only ever get from breast feeding! But luckily it only lasted about a week! More me then her though lol Xxx
ReplyDeleteWell done and best of luck with the bottles. You have to do what's right for you and as you say 8 months is amazing. If I hadn't have had the option of giving up work I'd have stopped too. Hope you settle back into work well too.
ReplyDelete8 months is amazing! I was never able to breastfeed and I feel I missed out.
ReplyDelete(You say about faffing about with the kettle with the first feed of the day - if it helps, I make up my baba's bottle the evening before, cool it down and put it in the fridge overnight and it's ready to go in the morning. I know all the advice is not to make feeds up in advance but we've done that since he was born, he's almost a year now and we've never had a problem)
x
We have been putting the water in the bottle ready and pre measuring the formula ready to make life easier! Sometimes you have to do what is best for you! Thanks for the advice
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