A while ago I wrote a post ‘Breastfeeding For Me Of The Baby’. I was feeling torn between continuing my extended breastfeeding with number five. He was still very dependant in the evenings and I was no where near ready to stop even though there was a worry in the back of my mind that even though I loved everything about breastfeeding he would never wean himself off.
After some wonderful feedback from my readers I continued to do what was best for both of us and carried on. I loved the closeness, the way it still helped him to settle and knew that he was still getting lots of goodness from it. If I’m honest though there was a huge part of me that wasn’t ready to let go.
After having fed five children I knew this would be the last time I would be able to enjoy everything that breastfeeding brings. I’ve struggled with feeding all of mine from one that didn’t know how to suck when he was first born, one with a tongue tie and countless bouts of mastitis that even landed me in hospital. It’s been a tough journey with all of them but something I will never forget and I’m so glad I battled through each time as it was such a special experience for me.
A few weeks before Christmas number five was waking in the night as usual but not needed to be fed. He wasn’t asking and was settling with a little cuddle. This was actually a welcome change after nearly two years of night feeds! He was still having his feed to get to sleep and this was the one that I couldn’t see going as he routine was bath, story and milk and he was extremely set in his ways about this.
But then the hustle and bustle of Christmas started and with a few late nights he had happily fallen asleep without a feed. When it came to two concecutive nights without a feed I just went with it and neither of us have looked back.
I didn’t get that planned emotional last feed I was expecting, I didn’t have an upset baby crying himself to sleep at night it just worked. He had weaned himself away beautifully and I am finally happy about that.
That’s such a lovely post. People are asking when I’m going to stop feeding my 13month old and my answer currently is when he wants to stop xx
Thank you. I had a lot of negative comments even from family about feeding for so long but so glad I did.
Keep going for as long as you both want xx
What a lovely end to your journey and, although unplanned, it sounds as though it was the right time for you both to do it naturally and gently. Good for you.
Extended breastfeeding is so taboo. The first rule of boob club seems to be that nobody talks about boob club. But it’s a wonderful gift to have given to your babies and you should feel very proud. Sending a hug and a virtual high five.
And, for anyone reading this blog post and seeking support in their breastfeeding journey, there are some lovely groups on Facebook for women to share advice and encouragement in a safe, closed forum.
That is so true! I have a couple of friends that are still feeding and we have sneaky chats about it in the corner of toddler group!!
I so wish it would be more accepted but I fear we are still a long way off in the UK of or this to happen sadly.
It’s really lovely to get such lovely feedback though and I hope my post inspires others to keep going x
Both of you sound content so that is s good way to feel after breastfeeding comes to an end. I am still feeding my youngest child who is 18 months and ever since he turned 1 My usual family support ceased which is such a shame 🙁
I know the really, after a year even my family wavered with their support!
Keep going if it’s right for both of you as it’s something special between you and your little one and if your both happy who cares!! X
That’s lovely! It’s great when you allow a child to decide when to stop breastfeeding.
Thank you very much, it was such a lovely end to a wonder experience x