Today, I celebrate 1,000 days of breastfeeding my lovely daughter, Maeve.
A thousand days of comfort, nourishment, and protection. I always knew I wanted to breastfeed, but I never put a goal on it. I still haven’t. Reaching 1,000 days, though, feels like a pretty incredible accomplishment!
Preparing for Breastfeeding Before Birth
I researched breastfeeding long before I even fell pregnant. It was always the most natural choice for me, and my research only cemented that decision.
Being headstrong by nature, I did not want to follow the all-too-common statistic of stopping by six weeks. So I booked myself onto a prenatal breastfeeding course, refused to buy “just in case” formula or bottles, and followed every breastfeeding advocate I could find on Instagram.
Those First Feeds and Early Challenges
I remember our first feed like it was yesterday. Maeve was only an hour old, and I was exhausted, running purely on the opioids still in my system. Instinctively, I offered my breast, and Maeve latched like a pro. That moment felt like a dream come true!
As the days went on, and my nipples were still adjusting to being sucked 24/7, my usual “carry-on” attitude started to fade. I was exhausted, not nourishing myself properly, and overwhelmed. Cluster feeding is no joke! This was also when I developed a rather serious obsession with toast. I would eat 4–6 slices a day; it was quick, filling, and (mostly) nutritious enough to keep up with the boobie demands.
As the days went on, and my nipples were still adjusting to being sucked 24/7, my usual “carry-on” attitude started to fade.
Breastfeeding in Public for the First Time
Another memorable moment in those early days was my first public feed. I was sat in a café and actually asked my friend if it would be okay to feed my baby there. Guess what? It is okay, and it is legally protected.
It makes me laugh now, because these days I will just whip out a breast anywhere, anytime… including during a smear test (but that is a whole other story!).
Resentment and Finding Balance
This past year has been a turbulent one for my emotions towards breastfeeding. I slowly grew to resent it. Maeve never took a dummy, never attached to a comforter or teddy. Breastfeeding was her only comfort. That meant the feeds did not really drop, and my body stopped feeling like my own.
This past year has been a turbulent one for my emotions towards breastfeeding. I slowly grew to resent it.
Over time, I have introduced boundaries, like asking before feeding instead of helping herself, and that has helped me find balance again and not begrudge every feed.
The Benefits of 1,000 Days of Breastfeeding
Now, here we are at 1,000 days, and I could not be prouder of myself for persevering through the hard times and soaking in the close moments. To put it in perspective: for a thousand days I have given my daughter antibodies to help protect her from illness, lowered her risk of leukaemia, ear infections, and childhood obesity, and helped foster a healthy attachment that will benefit our bond long into the future.
For me, every feed has also lowered my risk of breast cancer (by 8.6% so far), as well as cervical cancer and type 2 diabetes. And together, we have done our small part for the environment with a carbon-zero feeding option, with no bottles, no formula, no waste, and no fossil fuels needed for production or transportation.
Looking Back on 1,000 Days
As I look back, I see more than just 1,000 days of milk. I see love, patience, resilience, and connection.
Whatever the next chapter holds, whether Maeve weans tomorrow or much further down the road, I know this journey will remain one of my proudest achievements.
I know this journey will remain one of my proudest achievements.
