The End of Breastfeeding

There were so many times after we brought you home that I almost gave up breastfeeding. We were both new to the whole thing, and many times in those first few days we would both end up crying.

It wasn’t long and you were latching right on (even hourly for several weeks) and eating became one of your favorite things to do. You wouldn’t take a pacifier, I was your pacifier. You nursed to go to sleep and you nursed for comfort. It was the only thing that could calm you down after your first shots, or during some of those early times of incessant crying.

I wondered many times when I should wean, and finally decided I wasn’t going to put a date on it, I hated the thought of not having that close time with you. Over the months you have gotten busier and busier - you are a baby who wants to be on the go! Now you’re getting too busy to breastfeed; you’d rather be looking around.

Though you’re oblivious to it, to me it’s the end of an era…you are growing so fast!

Countless hours now I’ve spent watching you eat.

It’s been a reserved time to really look at you closely…to hold your tiny fingers, to stroke your cheek and your little head, trying to decide who you look like, amazed that you’re so perfect and you’re mine.

I’ve rubbed your little legs each time, noticing how they’re daily growing in length.

I’ve enjoyed the time holding you close; you do not like to cuddle much otherwise!

Some of my favorite times were when we were up in the middle of the night, just you and me in the quiet.

I’d watch you as you’d fall asleep, so content.

Sometimes I would get teary-eyed watching you, trying to soak up the memories, knowing it wouldn’t last forever.

No one could have told me how sad I would be when it would end, but it helps to know I have given you a wonderful start! I’m so glad I made the decision nearly six months ago not to give up - I would have missed out on so much!