This post contains breastfeeding pictures and affiliate links.
Last week we hit the 9 month mark of breastfeeding! There were times in the beginning I did not think that was going to be an option at all. It was definitely a struggle during that time, but I’m so glad that we toughed it out and sought help to make sure we were successful.
I’ve been asked “how long are you going to nurse him?” and my response is “no idea”. I honestly hope that he self-weans somewhere around a year, but if not, that’s okay by me. He really only nurses about 6 or so times a day at this point and if he wants to nurse before bed after he hits that magic year mark that everyone seems to think is the end, that’s okay.
I love that when he falls down or gets upset, I can instantly make everything all better. Some people say that it’s just “nursing for comfort” as though that makes it any less important than “nursing for food”. Who cares? If he wants to nurse and I have the ability to make his entire world better in a second, why not? How is that any different than a hug, kiss, or rocking a crying baby? It’s not.
Our babies are only babies for such a short amount of time. My house is a mess and I don’t shower every day, but my kids are happy and healthy. In another couple of months, my little nursling isn’t going to want to cuddle and snuggle with Mommy anymore. Well, he might, but probably only if he’s nursing. I know that once they start going, they don’t stop to snuggle too much.
At this point in our nursing journey, we don’t need too much. Bravado Bras have made it a possible for me to feel stylish, sexy, and comfortable, all while having easy access to the goods. I have an Itzy Ritzy Nursing Happens Infinity Scarf and some Evenflo disposable nursing pads in the diaper bag in case I need them while we’re out. At home, I use Bamboobies reusable nursing pads and a big comfy blanket to prop my boy up. If we’re in bed, I still use the Boppy.
After looking for pictures to share, I realized that I don’t take very many. I’m going to try to take more of us nursing. I have what seems like tons of pictures with Charlie and a bottle of my pumped milk, but not so many of Owen and I nursing. In my eyes, it’s still a baby eating, and there’s nothing wrong with capturing that.
This time has gone by so quickly and I do get sad knowing that it will eventually come to an end. It seems so weird to think of all the pain and stress I experienced in the beginning and yet still be said about the inevitable end. Whenever we choose to stop, I hope it’s easy on both of us. I’m just proud that we hit 9 months and hope to make it to a full year.
Christina Shirley says
I have a 13 day old and we are just now overcoming some of the struggles associated with breastfeeding. Thanks for this post–a reminder that this will get easier and is totally worthwhile.
Christina Shirley says
It was rough for us for about the first 2 months. It does get better. I know people kept telling me that, but it certainly didn’t seem like it.
Christina Shirley says
congrats on this accomplishments I tried to nurse with all three of my girls but sadly I did not produce enough milk.
Christina Shirley says
Congrats on the accomplishment you rock girl.
Christina Shirley says
I didn’t think I was going to do it with my last child and I nurse till 21 months. Your baby will let you know and you will know as well when it is time to stop.
Christina Shirley says
My step sister nursed her daughter until she was almost 3 I seem to remember. The child will definitely let you know when it is time to stop.
Christina Shirley says
Fantastic! I’m so glad you’re able to share these moments with your little one!
Christina Shirley says
Way to go on your accomplishment! I didn’t breastfeed my girls, but if I could, that’s the one thing I would change.
Christina Shirley says
That’s awesome! I breastfed with my daughter for 13 months and the bond between us I think is much stronger than my other kids because of it.
Christina Shirley says
Way to go! I don’t have a little one of my own yet but I think I would love to create that bond with breastfeeding in the future. 🙂
Christina Shirley says
That’s great that you’ve been able to breastfeed for so long! Hopefully you’ll be able to continue it as long as you’d like to.