Weaning ! Feeling Sad :-(

Rikki_5

OMG can't believe it's been almost a year since our little October babies were born.  This time last year I was so fat and uncomfortable lol! I've lost nearly all the baby weight but still have some ways to go...I wanted to lose more but thought if I diet or exercise hard core my supply will go down because it seemed to be less each time I did hard core aerobics.  Then today I read that your body naturally will hold onto some fat while you are nursing for the baby.....so--anyways my little one has self-weaned.  For the past month we've only been nursing at night now at the ten month mark he's officially on formula full time.  I'm feeling kind of sad about weaning!  In some ways it is so nice to have my body back to myself, to enjoy what I want to eat and drink, to not be bitten, pounded, or have my hair pulled, to be able to wear something without elastic on it.. and all that...but I am really missing the breastfeeding relationship, like so much I sort of feel depressed about it!! :-(  Especially today when I noticed hey, I'm still making milk even though he hasn't touched the breast for a full week.  Does anyone know when you stop making milk?  Plus the other day I was holding him and felt the letdown sensation, I offered the breast to him but he seemed more curious as it was a plaything -- no more latching on , no more rooting.  I feel so stupid for feeling sad about this!  But I just wanted to write it down..to help get out these feelings about missing this special relationship.  I feel happy that was I was able to mostly exclusively bf for nearly 10 months but why am I feeling so sad and depressed about this!!  ANYWAYS if you read this far -- thanks!!! Hope all your babies are doing great!!!!!!! 

MrsN092714

I think it's totally normal to feel sad about it, not only is it something you have been doing for the past 10 months but it also means our babies aren't so little anymore.  Be sad, then put on a normal bra, a shirt you can't whip a boob out with and be happy!  10 months of breastfeeding is fantastic and you should be proud of that!  Just because your baby isn't latching on does not mean you have lost that connection.  It will always be there.

edavis926

Just focus on how great you did getting to 10 months! I knew when we started having allergy issues that it was a possibility that we'd need to switch to formula but when her GI told me to switch at 3 months I still cried for 2 days. I was really surprised by how upset I was because I actually hated breastfeeding! I think my milk tapered off for about 2 weeks. It might take you a little while to adjust but I agree that after a few days of regular clothes and actually getting to leave your boobs in them you'll start feeling better!

But seriously, awesome job on the 10 months!

carmv01

This is absolutely normal. I'm going through something similar. He decided he only wanted to nurse first thing in the morning (and once in a while before a nap if he's really in the mood), but today he had a fever and was all about nursing after I picked him up from daycare. It felt so good to be able to do that again, nourish him, provide him security, comfort, antibodies, etc. I'm still pumping but have gotten that down to twice a day as well. I feel like it's definitely affected my mood these days. I had no expectations going into breastfeeding but now that we're so close to 1 year, part of me wishes we would be able to make it.