12/17/2024
A few nights ago, my 3 year-old and I finally said goodbye to nursing. We felt deeply into our sadness and joy. I cried tears of loss, and in the next moment, felt immense relief.
I'm lucky to have breastfed both of my babies. This second time around, however, the journey lasted exponentially longer. Nursing continuously for over 3 years changed my body, sleep, hormones, life, and in some gnarly ways. There were times where I wanted to stop sooner, but they or I weren't really ready. I'm also grateful and proud of us for making it this far, in great awe of my body and what it can do for my child and me. There are infinite ways for parent and baby to forge a special relationship, and I feel blessed with luck, privilege, and alignment for nursing to be one of those special things for my secondborn and me.
As we weaned, we spent around a month preparing by reading books, processing feelings, and getting clear on our plan. Before bedtime on the night of our last nurse, we went outside and blew bubbles at the moon... those that reached the moon brought our "nursing magic" there so the moon can in turn send it to newborn babies who need it most. This ceremonial release idea was inspired by the book B***y Moon. We made an environmentally-conscious choice to use bubbles instead of the balloon used in the book. We also read Loving Comfort and A Time To Wean. A million thanks to my local MOC community for all their wise and heartfelt weaning suggestions, stories, and support!
I went back and forth on sharing this here. Ultimately, I'm doing it as a way to honor myself and my mamahood journey. I hope it inspires others to do the same, however honoring yourself happens to look for you.
,
