This is me back in 2002, cuddling a sleeping baby Saraya after a feed, baby advice book by my side, bottle of water always there too.................
I have had a weepy weekend. This week has marked the end of an era in my life. William has weaned, and my days of breastfeeding my babies is over.
This was unplanned, though God has been nudging me this direction for awhile- the migraines I have been having seem to be triggered by hormone fluctuations, often from breastfeeding. I have resisted the weaning anyhow, and am still emotional and struggling to believe this is really "it". I guess the weepiness will continue for a few more days as my body continues to settle and change.
There is a sense of freedom that comes from no longer being a breastfeeding Mum.......... but then, I have really just loved every minute of it. I love the bonding. The quiet moments, day or night, when it's just the two of us. The way they looked up at me and fiddled with my collar. That sense of nourishing my children, of giving them such good healthy, growing milk. I didn't have to worry about taking bottles or food with me on outings (for babies or toddlers :)), as my milk was always there! I could take extra vitamins which could filter through for them when they were sick. It provided comfort when nothing else could.
The other children were breastfed until the age of 2. But for William, this was not to be. God has shown me through William (and that convicting peace that comes) that this is the right way to go this time. And William has directed things this week, leading the way to this change.
William is doing okay, aside from his cold and cutting 4 teeth in one week......... oh, and going through the adjustment of breast to bottle, breastmilk to formula, feeding through the night to not feeding through the night........... Wow, actually he's doing very well considering. I love my baby so much, and ultimately know that no matter what I do, God loves him more and will always be his ultimate provider and protector. Please join me in prayer for William as his body adjusts over the coming weeks. Oh, and for me....... for sleep, and comfort, and peace.
