When I was pregnant, I did not have any expectations about breastfeeding. I thought that I would give it a try and if it worked out, I would do it, and if it didn't work out, I would just give Audrey formula. I set a goal to make it to 30 days. When Audrey was a newborn, we had a really tough time breastfeeding because of reflux and nursing strikes, but I stuck it out and continued and met my 30 day goal. I set another goal for 3 months and then 6 months. A few days after she was 6 months, she started another nursing strike, so I began using a breast pump to get most of her milk. I only nursed her in the mornings and at night. I dropped the morning session around 9 months, and I continued pumping during the day and nursing at night.
About four days ago, Audrey suddenly stopped nursing at night. I was a little sad because my feelings were hurt, but I decided to go with the flow. I offered to nurse each night for the last four days, but she would just hug her daddy and cry whenever I offered. So, I stopped offering. And I'm perfectly okay with our current situation.
I looked up some statistics about breastfeeding. In 2004, nearly 74% of U.S. moms began breastfeeding their newborns, about 42% breastfed their 6-month-olds, and 21% breastfed their 1-year-olds. I feel proud to say that I made it to my ultimate goal of 12 months!
With my next baby, I hope to breastfeed for 12 months or even longer.
2 comments:
Bonnie, that is quite an accomplishment!! You should be soo proud of yourself! Audrey is lucky to have a mom that was so willing to do that for her.
Woohoo! Way to go!!
I know I'm going to feel the same way whenever Jade weans herself.. if she ever does. Sometimes I think she will nurse until she is 20!! =)
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