My baby is almost six months old, and I’m done with breastfeeding. The end to my breastfeeding days came rather suddenly. One day Kiko decided not to take my breasts. She was three and a half months old. I was shocked. I thought my breasts were her most favorite thing in the world. Although I had a difficulty with breastfeeding (terrible engorgement) in the beginning, I learned to be okay with it over time. But one day, the switch happened, and Kiko would scream when I would try to breastfeed her. At that point it became impossible to breastfeed her while she was conscious. I switched to nursing her while she was groggy during the early morning feeding and late night feeding. The rest of the time I pumped. Slowly, Kiko started to reject those groggy feedings as well, and as I pumped less, my body produced less milk. Over the past two months, I slowly decreased the frequency of pumping, and now I don’t pump at all.
It was sad when she rejected me at first. Andy knows, I cried. I’ve read in the Baby Center about some mothers comments about missing “the bonding time” with baby. It seems like babies get selective around three months and not taking breasts seem to be a common problem.
But now that my breastfeeding days are over, I must say, I am kind of glad that I don’t have to carry around a pump, worrying about leaking, washing nursing pads endlessly, bearing with engorgement pain, or smelling disgusting with leaked milk. I almost exclusively breastfed Kiko for the first three and a half months, and I was glad to be able to do that. But at the same time, I am glad my breasts did whatever they needed to do and it’s over. Now I can have some “bonding time” with Kiko by playing with her, singing to her, reading her books and praying together.
My breasts returned to their original size. I secretly hoped that they would remain a cup size bigger, but sadly it was not to be :p
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moxiemandie says
I’m not a mommy yet, but I am really hoping & looking forward to breastfeeding when I am, & I do have fears that it will not work out. I guess it’s just something I have to have peace about knowing that God is in control & will provide everything my babies need. Regardless of breastfeeding, your little kiko is so beautiful & chunky! What a sweet smile she has!
Chie says
hi! to be honest, breastfeeding was not as simple as i first expected for me. but at the end, i learned how to handle it and it was okay! so im sure it will work out for you too. it might take a bit to figure out what baby needs and what your body does, but once you get a hang of it, its fune:) xo
AI says
Chie, congrats to ur kiko. she just reached another level of her babylife. you did well wiht your breastfeeding as i am following your mommyhood entry. like me, i also reached the level of being sad when my children stop breastfeeding & thinking breast will remain the same size when i was breastfeeding but isn’t ..they go back to its normal size.
your kiko is really very pretty. I love her eyes and that 100 watts smile.
cheers!
Chie says
thank you ai. its nice to be able to think it that way (another level of babylife)! it makes me feel a bit melancholic to see kiko grows up so quick, but at the same time, it should be something to be celebrated, right?!
Mariana Takagui says
Kiko stopped breastfeeding early but it was she who did all right! At least 6 months were ne!
My daughter nursed until 1 year and 1 month and stopped in one day I tried to stop breastfeeding!
My breasts also returned to its original size, up to a few millimeters smaller.
I thought it would remain large, wishful thinking …
I had no problem with leaking milk but since there was excess and hardened breasts, but soon returned to normal and my daughter nursed every day I mentioned the date.
Accompany their experience and if I can help, but parents receive information and develop a daily care routine!
~ <3 I love MAMA SERIES!
Ps.: sorry my english.