Well I apparently don’t. The time has come. Today marks the last day of breastfeeding for Chloe. I saw it coming a mile away, but still, now that it is here, it is sad.
Once we started real table food about 6 weeks ago, she automatically dropped down to three feedings. The “before bed feeding” wasn’t interesting her anymore (well excuses me for trying!) She just pushed me away as if I was offering acid. The last two were the mid-afternoon…after her nap…. which got axed quickly because of a yeast infection she had all over her body…poor kid. So we had to start feeding the really good yogurt with all the live things in it instead.
The only remaining feeding was first thing in the morning.
This is the one I really enjoyed. It was our special time together, we could lay in bed and be lazy, then afterwards she would just snuggle, talk, and play around in the covers. It was so sweet. Lo and behold about 3 weeks ago we started to spy our first gum bump. Finally at 9.5 months she was getting a tooth. Not only did I know this, but my nipple gave me a clue when she started turning our morning session into something like a lion tearing away at the flesh of a zebra. Call 911 because my boobs were on fire! Latch, re-latch, re-latch again….holy mother of pain and suffering. She also was losing interest quickly and preferred to just have her banana and oatmeal.
Truth be told, I have never “loved” breastfeeding. I know lots of mothers who think it is the cat’s meow. I do think it is totally awesome and special….but from day one Chloe and I have not been a compatible match. It literally took months before it wasn’t excruciating to feed. Even after that about once a month she would go through a week’s spell where she would regress and tear me up again. I sooooooooooooooooo admire the moms who diligently pump all day long when breastfeeding doesn’t seem to work. I hate pumping…..HATE it! The last time I pumped was in March. I really think it is so awesome and sacrificial to be that dedicated to the cause.
So at 10 months, our season is over. I was a bit melancholy about it this morning, but I know she is ready, she expresses no desire to do it and she is such a great eater with whole foods.
So long lefty, so long righty…..they are all yours again Ryan! Now isn’t that the way you want to celebrate “Labor Day”?
My son BF until he was about 15 months old and my daughter weened herself at 9 or 10 months. It killed me to buy formula for those few months before we could give her milk. Does Cloe take a bottle or cup of formula now that she’s not nursing?
did you just offer ryan your breasts again? i think i’m scarred for life.
Oh babe I am so sorry to hear that it’s over — but you are SUCH a good mama for give Ms. C breastmilk for 10 months!!! That is sooooo much longer than other moms out there!!! Through thick and thin you stuck with it — earning your mommy strips and showing your battle scars!
I am sad for you that this morning’s feeding was the last - but excited for you as the next chapter in Chloe’s life continues!
You’re a great mom!!!!
Wow, I just weaned my son two weeks ago! He’s 15 months old, and I’m surprised we got this far. He weaned himself, really. Same thing - fussy, biting, the whole bit. He didn’t want to anymore. The last two weeks I’ve been really hormonal! So good luck to you, stock up on chocolate, and hey, you can eat what you want now!
My milk dried up once Emily went down to three feedings a day at nine months. And while I never had a problem breastfeeding her, and was a little sad that it was over, I also like the freedom that bottles bring
Have a super weekend!
I had mixed feelings about the end of breastfeeding with both girls. I “only” made it to 6 months with my oldest, but nursed my youngest for almost 11. Yeah once they get a tooth…I’m just sayin’ it can be torturous! I admire the mamas who can go the boob distance!
I know how you feel. Bridget ended her nursing career at around seven months and even though I thought I wasn’t a fan of nursing, I really do still miss it. But the good news is that at least for us, it was our kids’ choice to wean and not something we force them do kicking and screaming. If there’s going to be trauma about it, I’d rather it be mine than hers.
Now go have a drink!
i just weaned noah about 3 weeks ago…and its a mixed bag of emotions, let me tell you!! i was really hormonal as well when i was finally done…just be forewarned.
You had an awesome run with breastfeeding! I think it is something to be very proud of because it can be very difficult.
Great job mama! 10 months is nothing to feel badly about. But, just for curiousity does this mean you will have to give her formula for two months till you can give her milk? We are no where near weaning but then again we are no where near solids yet. We maybe eat one jar of baby food a day here. He loves his boobies.
That was E4’s timetable and for the same reason. Teeth! She is healthy and beautiful..no worries!
Sounds like you’ve done a fantastic job so far!!
Biting on your boobies ain’t fun 
Congrats on the tooth Chloe 
Fun fun fun, teething! Congrats for making it this far. Have a great labour day weekend!!
That last lines scared me a bit…
You did good for Chloe, mama! It’s bittersweet to stop, huh?
You know what is so wonderful? You let Chloe choose when to wean. That is so huge. Not many people think that, but it truly is. People let their babies crawl, walk, talk when they are ready, and MOST woman decide for their babies when to wean. So empowering for little Chloe girl. A high five comin’ your way for nursing her every moment you did!!! You deserve a medal for going through all those painful moments, and stickin’ it out for your girl!
Love how you have your boob sistas back to Ryan, too funny!
You let Ryan touch your boobs? Siiiiiiiick.
AAAAA!!! I love that last comment. You are the best, Kelly!
I will be emotional too when Abel stops. Although, I think my little man at only 3 months old is teething! He has been drolling non-stop and bitting his hand off. If teeth come this early…we may have to stop breastfeeding sooner then I had planned.