A milestone of sorts
My baby girl was seven months old last week. A significant milestone for us in two ways. The first is that we are now in the month in which she will start crèche. I don’t really want to think about that (though it’s on my mind all day long).
And the second is a milestone my sister-in-law asked me about tonight. I am now breastfeeding for longer than I ever have before. Each day is a new milestone really. So how do I feel about it? A cause for celebration? In some ways, yes it is I guess. But the truth is that I haven’t really given it a lot of thought because it just isn’t an issue. We’re not having any problems feeding wise so there is nothing to think about, no reason to change.
I remember with my son, that when I switched him to formula, I felt like I had been breastfeeding him for a long time. But we had problems every step of the way. It was never easy with him. The night he turned seven months I breastfed him for the last time, the two of us alone in the dark. I felt we had worked hard and it had been a long long road to get to that point.
But this time around, with my daughter, it’s been a breeze. Even those early painful feeds are a distant memory. And so when she reached seven months last week, I didn’t feel like I had been breastfeeding forever. I feel like it has gone by in a flash. I look at her and she still looks like a baby. I can’t imagine weaning her, never breastfeeding her again. Instead of feeling that breastfeeding will be hassle when I return to work, I am grateful that I will still be able to take her into my arms and nurse her when we are together again in the evenings.
Instead of worrying that I must get her to sleep through before I return to work, I am happy that if she suffers from the same separation anxiety that her brother did when he started crèche, I’ll be able to offer her some extra comfort at night while she settles into her new routine.
When she wakes at night to be fed, we doze together through the feed. I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. Last time I saw night feeds as a problem to be fixed at seven months of age. This time I see them as a fleeting stage and I focus my energy on maximizing my own sleep while accommodating feeds.
So now that I’ve given it some thought I realise that what I really feel about breastfeeding this long is grateful. We’re about to have a tough few weeks as we settle in the new routine of crèche and work. And at least we still have these moments together each day. At least that much won’t change.
Those quiet, special moments together are amazing. When I went back to work, I cherished those morning feeds… Just the two of us cuddling… Such a calm, lovely way to start the day. It would be chaos later, of course, but at least each day started out peacefully. 🙂
“It would be chaos later of course…” I love that Tammy. That describes the life of a parent with a small child exactly. 🙂
Beautifully written.
That first feed after the day apart and those late night dozy snuggles – I loved them too. Another lovely bonus is when the crèche germs get the better of everyone and you can heal and comfort them through it. It’s such a gift. xx
Mind The Baby recently posted..Children first, always
I’m hoping it helps with dealing with the germ factory that is crèche alright!
So glad it’s going well and that it will continue to comfort both of you as your routine changes.
Christine recently posted..Shift
Thanks Christine.
Just what everyone else said… And I’ve no doubt it will be the thing both of you look forward to so much every day! I always found that the longer I breastfed, the more complex and wonderful the relationship became. Good luck in the weeks ahead xxx
Emily recently posted..A Week Away
That’s lovely to hear Emily. I’m into unknown territory for myself here. Hopefully I’ll be reporting back in a few weeks about how great it is.
It sounds like continuing breastfeeding will really help you transition to work and creche – I agree with you and with all of your commenters – it will be a lovely way to reconnect with your baby each evening rather than a chore. For my three I found it hugely helpful when I went back to work.
office mum recently posted..the work conversation
Thanks Office Mum. It’s reassuring to hear that it worked out for someone else.
Firstly, well done on getting this far Lisa. You put in a lot of work and went through a lot of pain in the first 2 months to be able to get little woman to this point. I’m very proud of you.
Now hopefully you will get to reap some extra benefits for it as you adjust to the change of going back to work. I’m hoping the harder days at the start will make for easier days now when you can reconnect & comfort breastfeeding.
Thanks Julie. You’re right. If this works out it will make those early difficult days more worthwhile. Though they’ve already paid off dividends many times over in the past few months.
Well done!Im hoping for second time round to be more successful with the boob too!Only made it to 8 weeks last time and aiming for 6 months this time around.
I realise you didn’t ask for advice Aedín, so I hope you won’t mind if I offer some. It’s just to remember to take it one feed at a time, and wherever your journey takes you, every feeds counts. Wishing you lots of luck.