As it is World Breastfeeding Month, I thought it was the perfect time to sit and write my thoughts on our breastfeeding journey of the last year (and a bit…).
Well, we did it! We successfully nursed for ONE YEAR (and still going strong!)!! Woah, you guys. I’m so proud. And tired. But I feel so fulfilled.
When I was pregnant, I decided I was going to be a champ breastfeeder. I wanted so badly to be able to nurse my baby and because I didn’t know what to expect + how it was going to go down for us, I decided to set goals for myself allowing me to reevaluate (if it wasn’t working for us): 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months.
By 3 months, I felt like I totally understood the breastfeeding game. Those first few months were definitely challenging but I also think those first few months were the most important time to push through any hiccups George and I were experiencing. At three months, my nips weren’t nearly as chapped, I wasn’t waking up in pain, and I felt like I finally knew what I was doing (phew!). GBB was growing so well (my little chubba) and I knew I wanted to continue + especially because I knew how important it was to nurse until atleast 6 months. Oh, and the sweet baby cuddles are toooooo good.
At 6 months, I was a “pro”. Around this age, George had three teeth and was practising his chomps (ouch!) and after a bit of work (and hot compresses), we were able to find a groove that worked for us (that didn’t involve any blood, ha). We were offering a bit of solid foods here and there but still nursing a lot. I was happy with it and so was George. I didn’t rush into solids, partly because of this incident (you can read about it here!) and also because George + I were doing very well with breastfeeding and we were happy.
9 months in and we were on a breastfeeding roll! I felt good. George felt good. Aaaand I loved our bond that we created (and continue to do so).
And now we’re at 12 months. ONE YEAR. 365 days (and a little…).
I have literally nursed my baby to sleep for every nap and every bedtime of his life (with the exception of one day, a few weekends ago!) + truthfully, some days I was exhausted and dreading bedtime…but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Those moments were (and are!) so special to me and I know I will look back at this time of my life and smile. The most pleasurable moments of my life. Having the ability to just be present with my baby was (and is!) really, really, really humbling.
One of my favourite things about breastfeeding was (and is!) the ability to go into a quiet room and nurse–especially during busy days/family visits. It was (and is!) always a nice moment to spend some alone time together and to re-group. There is nothing more amazing than being able to unwind, relax, cuddle, and allow yourself some quiet time…sleeping babies are angels.
Now that we’ve reached 12 months (and a bit!), I won’t be stopping my breastfeeding journey here. Although I don’t know how long we will continue to nurse (we’re going to go with the flow!), I am so happy to have had the opportunity to do this for my baby. I hope I can do the same for all my future babies.
And for those who are struggling to continue to nurse, please know that the dark moments (much like the tired-no-sleep/stinging nipple pain-omg-will-this-be-forever dark moments) are short and they will pass! In those moments of breastfeeding despair, I loved reading articles and support from this site, this site, and this site.
If you have any questions about breastfeeding or need a cheerleader, I’m here for you!
Leave a comment below or send me an email :)
XO
PS. Oh, and I’m sure you might have heard that once your baby turns one they will nurse non-stop…yep. George has decided to fully nurse as if he was a newborn..let’s just say I can’t stay sitting in one area too long. I’m a full-blown drive-thru and it’s hilarious. Whatever you want little GBB, whatever you want.