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Original poster

End of breastfeeding

11 replies

Astralaka · 01/10/2021 07:05

I have breastfedmy beautiful girls for over 6 years in all and it seems we have now come to the end as my 3rd and last does not want ‘nilkies’ anymore and I am so very sad about it. I have loved the closeness through breastfeeding with them all and I just feel so sad that this is the end and she is my last. Has anyone else felt like this? My husband cuddles me etc and says that I have done a good job which is lovely but he hasn’t personally done it, he doesn’t know how it feels. Please could someone tell me if they have felt like this or are feeling like this? Thank you Smile

OP posts:
Thecomfortador · 01/10/2021 07:20

I was ready to stop after nearly 5 years, and was the one who initiated it, but it did feel ' end of an era' sad at the time. That said my boys, 12 months on, are still very cuddly and like to get as close to me as they possibly can, which is mostly nice. My mum even commented last month that them being cuddly is a sign of breastfeeding too much for too long (and she considers herself to be an advocate for breastfeeding, but her longest stretch was 15 months and can't imagine why you'd continue for years...)

I'm sure your bond with your girls will continue but will just change and mature, as they are doing.

Original poster
Astralaka · 01/10/2021 07:36

Thank you for commenting on my post, it’s nice to be heard! My little one is 2 and a half and I meant I breastfed them 6 years in total, sorry I probably said that in the wrong way!! It is like you say, the end of an era and it also makes me feel about useless, I know I will feel better soon but just sad at the moment. Thank you for being so positive and you are right, it will change and mature and there will still be lots of cuddles. Smile

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OnlyFoolsnMothers · 01/10/2021 07:41

Yep I was sad to stop feeding my last back in august- didn’t feed that long: 9 months with each of my children- fortunately parenthood doesn’t give you time to stew, on to the next challenge. But yes I totally feel you, I tried to “savour” and enjoy my last feeed but my little one was biting and kicking me throughout- bloody children ruin everything Grin!

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Original poster
Astralaka · 01/10/2021 14:40

Aww I know what you mean, they grow up too fast. Thank you for commenting it really means a lot to me to hear other people’s stories to know I’m not the only one. Smile

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birdglasspen · 01/10/2021 14:46

Honestly, I’ve always been happy to stop! 14months each time now on 3rd and last. I get to a point where I like my body back and I prefer the cuddles that are cuddles for love and not just a feed!😳 you’ve given them all an amazing start, go out and buy some new bras and tops with no holes, baggy fronts etc to celebrate!

SaveWaterDrinkGin · 01/10/2021 14:51

Ooh yes go and buy yourself some lovely non-breastfeeding friendly clothes! It’s sad because it’s the end of something you’ve loved but just think what an incredible thing you have done for them. Well done you Flowers

Bowtie292 · 01/10/2021 14:59

I went through this when DS was 2. He didn't really want or need it anymore and I made the decision to stop feeding him before bed. That last feed broke my heart and I sobbed. I'll never forget it or the feeling. We weren't having anymore babies so I knew it would be my last. It hurts to let it go but you just have to move on and be thankful that you had a great experience with it. Let yourself be sad, have a cry and then push forward.

AutumnInBustletown · 01/10/2021 15:00

Well done you for BF for so long! That is such a major achievement. We are at 2.5 years and DC shows no sign of stopping, despite my attempts to wean. But despite wanting my body back it will be a big transition for me when.we stop. I get it.

nachocheese · 01/10/2021 15:02

I'm still feeding my second daughter, who's nearly 2. Never thought I'd still be going, I stopped feeding my first at around 9/10 months and we transitioned to formula. My second has never had so much as a bottle of expressed, it's all been direct from me! I've told myself I'll go to her second birthday (early next month) and then start to cut down with an aim of being weaned off by Christmas. I'm ready to not be climbed all over every ten minutes with her slapping my
boobs and demanding 'more'.

HarrisMcCoo · 01/10/2021 17:47

I felt this way after my fourth child. I did shed a few tears. It's hard to let go. But at the same time, I needed my body back. My youngest was 21 months old when I stopped.

Original poster
Astralaka · 01/10/2021 22:44

Thank you so much to you all for your beautiful comments I really do appreciate them all. It helps so much to know that I am not alone and that this has been a magical journey that is just evolving not ending so thank you Smile

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