Here’s to another Year of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best decision for my family, but damn, it’s exhausting.

I’ve been breastfeeding babies since the summer of 2015. That’s about 31 months now and I want my body back. However, as much as I want my body back, I know the days, weeks, and months will too quickly pass, and like everything just one more day. 

I might be nearly 2.5 years into breastfeeding, but this month I finish my first year of breastfeeding my last baby. 

Plans to continue?

Right now, I’m struggling with what to do for the next year. I’m waiting for a foot surgeon for my bunions, and I’m having a few other health issues which raise some questions and concerns about what to do next. Right now, just one more day. With the hope, we can make it till 2, just like I did with my first (we made it 27 months with W before I just couldn’t anymore). 

I keep having this crazy idea about night weaning, but then at 3am when she wakes up for the third freaking time, I realise my parenting style is #lazymom and I shove it in her face and fall back to sleep [because I’m a die hard cosleeping mama who just can’t handle sleep training].

I Don’t Know What I’m Doing.

See, I got knocked up with my second and my milk changed. Breastfeeding thru a pregnancy was very different and while we did breastfeed until the day A was born, the change in my milk meant a change in how much, how often, and everything related. We still needed a sippy cup of milk at night, but with the help of the Jay Gordon Method, we gently night weaned that cosleeping cuddling monster.

Now, baby #2… who knows because for me it’s not as easy as getting dad to do bedtime. I solo parent more often than not, and bedtime is just me and two kids trying to stay alive. 

Celebrate a Year of Breastfeeding

Keeping a child alive year after year receives a serious round of applause. These little humans they keep us on our toes making us dance and sing to the tune of their songs.

After a year of breastfeeding, I’m sure you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, excited, in love, joy, and confusion on what to do next. First, stop and pause. Celebrate where you’ve come, and where you are now. Prepare yourself for the journey ahead because it’s not going to get easier, just different. 

Here are a few ideas I have to make the next year of breastfeeding even better.

1. Take Photos.
   • It’s not weird.
   • Embrace your superpower because this is no small feat, breastfeeding for a year is an amazing accomplishment that needs to be celebrated. #thatcakeisforme
   • Even if its a brelfie, or a photo your partner, don’t forget this journey.
2. Buy a new Nursing bra.
   • You know bras should be replaced every 6 months and I know your straps be sagging, the hooks are bent, and milk stains are never ever coming out. Treat yourself, because your boobs deserve to feel good.
   • This is the one I bought last week. It’s not sexy but it’s comfy. #mompriorities
3. Take an Evening off and just be you.
   • Baby isn’t a Baby anymore, just decompress, and do something for you.
   • Wear clothing you can’t breastfeed in – embrace a turtleneck!
   • Do it more than once. 
4. Replace Your Stretched out Shirts.
   1. If you’re like me, my wardrobe is nothing but stretched necklines. I never did like the two-shirt method, so pulling out boobs was my go-to strategy. Now my wardrobe just looks sad. I know I have another year of boob pullouts (mind you significantly fewer) so I’ll replace the worst of the worst, and keep on stretching  necklines.
   2. Momzelle nursing clothing is unbelievable comfortable and no necklines need to be damaged.
   3. Nothing beats breastfeeding in bed like a Daisy Pops Breastfeeding Sleepshirt.  
      
5. Talk about Toddler Nursing. 
   • Challenges of breastfeeding aren’t over, they are just different.
   • Whether you’re returning to work, or staying at home, take some time to reflect on your personal goals and be realistic with your expectations.
   • Some of these decisions you need to make for yourself, but it helps to reach out to other toddler breastfeeding moms: cows milk? physical boundaries? Nursing on demand? Night Nursing? Nursing to sleep? Language – what will you call boobs/nursing/milk? Weaning goals – child-led? Past 2 or to 2? Possible pregnancies? Possible tandem nursing? Just a few ideas. 

Did you take time to celebrate a year of breastfeeding?

What are your goals and ambitions for your breastfeeding journey? I’d love to hear how you stop to take in the moment.