So much time and effort goes into learning to breastfeed that when the journey finally comes to an end, it can leave us feeling a little lost at sea.
In fact, many breastfeeding mothers will say stopping breastfeeding was harder than starting! This is because breastfeeding has formed such a big part of our early motherhood journey. So much so that we may wonder how we’ll parent without it!
In an effort to lift the lid on what it’s really when a breastfeeding journey ends, this is what our boobingit parents had to say…
Stopping breastfeeding brings a mix of emotions
“Winnie weaned herself after her second birthday and I found it really bittersweet. She’s my last and I wanted to hold onto it so that I had my baby forever but at the same time, I loved that she did it in her own time. She felt ready to let that go and I was glad it happened that way instead of it being taken from her the way it was with piper! The blues hit HARD. I had to relearn my role as her mum without that comfort and aid. I found it quite hard to navigate at times but were almost 6 months without boob!” says April Robson
“I felt a whole mixture of emotions…happy I got some of myself back, devastated because it was our little thing and it solved everything.” says Adele Leppert
“As I held my child close on that last flight, I cried not only for the end of our breastfeeding journey but also for the beautiful moments we had shared. It was a mix of sadness and pride, knowing that I had given them the best 14 months. Our journey had been challenging, but we had grown together, and now, when they cuddle, I understand that it’s simply to be near me, a testament to the enduring connection we share.” recalls Alice Ashcroft
It was a mix of sadness and pride, knowing that I had given them the best 14 months.
The hormones hit hard when you stop breastfeeding
“I ended 4 years of breastfeeding just before xmas. I thought I was ready…but the hormones hit me hard!” says Pixie
“I stopped breastfeeding because I was pregnant again and my body couldn’t handle growing life and making milk. My little guy was 19m. But no one talks about the next round of hormonal shifts when breastfeeding comes to a stop. I wish I had known and could have prepared myself for the emotional rollercoaster that lasted a few weeks.❤️” says Katie K
“Since stopping I actually ended up arranging an appointment with my nurse practitioner at my GP because my hormones felt so out of control. She reassured me this is normal and it just takes time.” says Grace Redmond
The time was right to stop breastfeeding
“It was definitely the right time for both of us. We still have the closeness as I cuddle Indie to sleep every night.” says Andrea Hubbert
“Freya weaned so slowly so I never had any issues with blocked ducts. She was 2 and I was pregnant again and it just felt right. The only thing I found was she started to rely on her dummy a lot. Emotionally I was ok with stopping by that point as the pregnancy hormones had me feeling touched out.” says Georgie Withers
“I know that I finished breastfeeding at a time that was right for us both. I could have asked for a more beautiful and peaceful end to our journey. I still feel sad that our journey is over, but I’m so proud of my baby and so excited for what is to come. And of course, he still cuddles his mummy to sleep and our closeness is an everlasting bond that could never be broken.” says Jessica Henderson
I know that I finished breastfeeding at a time that was right for us both.
There is a lot of pride when breastfeeding ends
“He was 2 years 7 months when we stopped in November. I was proud of how he coped with stopping, proud of how I coped, proud of how far we came. But oh how I miss it.” says Jemma Ryley
“3 weeks ago today Blaisey had her last feed, bittersweet now but this mummy was so ready for it. I honestly never thought I’d see the day! My little best friend forever, she’d climb back in my womb if she could. I love what we have. Proud of you Blaise, proud of me.” says Paige Higgins
“Breastfeeding Gabriel has been an honour and I will cherish the memories for the rest of my life. I’m proud of us. And I will miss it so much! Especially as it’s been the best parenting tool when he’s under the weather of having a meltdown!” says Colette Myers
