Hi all!

Today I am going to share my breastfeeding and weaning experience. At 13 month’s old, I stopped breastfeeding for good. I did this for a few reasons: 1.) Abigail was no longer interested, 2.) I felt I had gone longer than most and 3.) With my sister’s wedding coming up (and me being Maid of Honour), I had to be available more. Just a disclaimer, this is in no way shaming women that cannot breastfeed. This is just my story. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

MY BREASTFEEDING EXPERIENCE 

Before I gave birth, I tried to have little expectations regarding breastfeeding. I prepared myself for the fact that I may not be able to. However, if I was able to, I would do it for as long as possible. What I could never have anticipated, was having an oversupply of milk. It came in right away! I had so much milk that Abi was choking and spluttering after every feed. She vomited so much in the beginning, poor thing. I was happy that I had more than enough to feed her, but the engorgement left my breasts so swollen and stiff, I developed mastitis one week after giving birth. Mastitis is awful. You develop a high fever and painful, red lumps on your breasts that require painkillers, in order to feed semi-comfortably. I had to have an ultrasound to check for any abscesses. Luckily, it was all clear. Having mastitis and recovering from a c-section, meant that I was bedridden. I felt so helpless, unable to care for our daughter. Francis took charge of everything, which was wonderful, but I couldn’t help feeling guilty. During my illness, I considered giving up breastfeeding altogether. I was terrified that I would continue to develop mastitis, due to my oversupply. I made a deal with myself that if I got it a second time, I would stop. Thankfully, I never got it again. I took a probiotic during that time – you can check it out here – that supposedly helps prevent mastitis, until your milk regulates a bit better.

After six weeks, my milk began to regulate and things weren’t so uncomfortable. However, Abigail was still throwing up a lot. I visited a lactation consultant, who advised feeding in an upright position, instead of lying down. This way, Abi could digest her intake. It worked wonders! I continued feeding this way until the very end and Abi was much happier for it. Another thing I’ll mention about having an oversupply is that you are encouraged not to pump, because it can increase milk production, causing blockages. Scared of going through mastitis again, I never pumped. That decision made feel trapped. I could literally never leave Abi with anyone, because nobody else could feed her. It did contribute to my baby blues but I’m grateful I had a good supply over hardly any.

A few months in, my nipples became infected and I needed an antibiotic cream to cure them. That was just as horrible as the mastitis. I would cry in pain whenever Abi fed. I told myself I couldn’t do it anymore but once they were healed, I got right back on the horse. I tried to give Abigail formula in a bottle, just in case, but she refused it. She had never had it and in a way, I’m glad now. We formed such a beautiful bond during breastfeeding. She loved it so much and I loved feeling close to her. I found that even in public, I didn’t have a single care for those around me. I whipped them out and nourished my kid! I’m so proud of myself for going as long as I did; continuing despite the huge obstacles in the way. It made me feel good that she was getting the best nutrients and start to life. Her nurses would always tell me how plump, happy and healthy she looked, thanks to my milk.

When I reached one year, I noticed that my breasts were not as full between feeds. My period had returned after 8 months and she wasn’t gulping the way she used to. Still, I was happy to carry on. However, at 13 months, she made the decision for me and the timing was perfect.

MY WEANING EXPERIENCE 

I will admit, I was very nervous to wean. I had heard it could be extremely emotional for both mum and baby. Plus, if not done carefully, it could cause breast blockages. On July 20th, Francis and I went away for the weekend, as a 30th birthday gift from my mother and sister. It was the first time Abi would miss a couple of breastfeeds, and we were both concerned that she would be very upset. My mum babysat her, updating us continuously. Thankfully, Abi didn’t show any signs of missing it. She ate so much solid food, distracted by the fact that we weren’t there. We had a great weekend away and it gave me the confidence to keep doing it. I noticed when we returned, she wouldn’t want my breast unless I offered it to her. Even when I did, she would feed for a couple of minutes and then pull off, eager to play. It felt like the perfect time to try.

I had read a really good article, advising to remove the feed they cared about the least first. You’re then meant to wait a week (still offering the other two feeds). Lunch went first, followed by dinner (waited a week) and finally breakfast (waited a week). By the end of those three weeks, I was no longer breastfeeding and Abigail was absolutely fine. Not a single tear shed – from either of us. It happened so naturally. If your child does protest, the article says to give them plenty of cuddles and try to distract them. Fortunately, it didn’t come to that for me. Last month, I went on a road trip to see where my sister was getting married, whilst Francis watched Abi at home. It felt good to have that freedom back. It was nice to be able to spend time doing wedding stuff, without needing to rush back and feed.

As I mentioned earlier, I am so proud of how long I breastfed for. I weaned mainly because Abigail didn’t want it anymore. If she had, who knows how long I would’ve kept going. It all worked out so well. There were definitely a lot of ups and downs regarding breastfeeding, but I wouldn’t have changed the experience. I was able to give my daughter everything she needed to grow healthy and big. I’ll always be thankful for that.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Please let me know your thoughts down below. How long did you breastfeed for? What was your weaning experience like? 

Thank you for reading!

Peace & Love xoxo