Feeling sad at stopping BF

[Thistledew]

And I know I have no reason to as DS is two years and 8 months!

And it was driving me nuts at times because he was so insistent with his attempts to paw and claw at the other nipple whilst he was feeding. Or when he attempted to turn somersaults whilst feeding in bed in the morning.

And I left it until I was reasonably confident he wouldn't get too frantic when refused- indeed there have been some tears and crossness but it has very quickly passed and he's adapting very quickly.

And he is so excited at the idea of a trip to the toy shop on Saturday to choose a very special toy to mark this milestone.

And even in the few days since we stopped he already seems to be closer to DH, which makes me love them both even more.

I know that we could have continued for much longer but it seems like a good point at which to stop.

But I do miss the special cuddles that only he and I could have, and the way it made him so happy and soothed every upset and pain.

So I don't know if I need a shake, a pat on the back or a hug, but I'd love to hear your feelings on giving up breastfeeding.

I was so ready to give breastfeeding at 8 months. I wanted to wear normal clothes, have my body back and felt I did a great job for the time I breastfed for.

You should be very pleased you did it so long but now try to look on the bright side, well done

Give up

I enjoyed breastfeeding but after a year I felt ready to stop and my daughter seemed ready too which was good. I can't even remember when the last feed was, the feeds just sort of fizzled out.
I would imagine the adjustment must be harder if you carry on for longer as it's such a part of your life.
It's the end of one chapter, but the start of another :)

Well done for doing it for so long. It's sad as it's the end of a lovely journey for you both.
I only managed two weeks

Hugs OP

I hadn't intended on feeding for so long but he has been a complete boob monster. He refused to drink from a bottle - even expressed breast milk he would just chew on the bottle teat and then spit it back out! One of his early words at around 15 months was "boo-boo" - a word he invented, not me.

I have been sewing the idea of stopping for several months now. I stopped feeding him to sleep in the evening before Christmas but he would still feed in the morning and often for nap time. He has also learned at nursery to put himself to sleep. We managed a night waking without a feed back to sleep for the first time last night.

On Tuesday - after a few things that triggered the idea- we sat and talked about giving up, and he was taken with the idea of choosing a fabulous toy if he made it to the weekend without any more feeds. I then fed him to sleep for the last time as he went down for his nap.

I'm surprised at how much I miss it.

I missed it at first. But then I reminded myself that each DC was happy, healthy and that this milestone was just a gateway to another.

Reflect, enjoy and embrace the next step!

My little one is the same age, my husband had been pushing me to stop but DS still asks regularly for it and I'm not ready to give up yet so told him that I want ready and please stop saying it.
I hear you about missing it, he's my final baby and at the moment I've been so stressed think stopping would tip me over the edge, so I'm carrying on for a bit longer.

Even if the MIL gives me evils

Oh, god. I still feel slightly sad about stopping feeding 2nd dc. And he's 5 now! And I'm feeding his little brother. Gah. I think it's part of saying goodbye to their babyhood. That's why it's sad.

Currently feeding 2.5 year old 😂 he rarely wakes in the night for a feed now though...no answer for you but totally with you on the missing it idea! I know it's coming to an end but the thought makes me so sad, like you it's been his comfort for every upset he's known so will be a big change. Be kind to yourself, you've done something amazing.

You also experience changes in hormone levels when you stop feeding which can make you feel more emotional. My DD is 21 months and still feeding, and I know I’m going to be really sad when we stop.