Bittersweet day!

Today marks the end of 18 months of some of the hardest days and by all accounts the best days of my life. I am ending my pumping (nursing) journey. I feel so deeply connected and passionate about breastfeeding, which is why this end is difficult.
So many people don't understand and one person even smirked at me when I sad I’m feeling bittersweet about this end. Well, I NEVER was able to bond with my child the way I wanted by having a traditional relationship (so of course I feel defensive) as I do know how important it is to give your child the best start, so I did pump for 18 months. I am undoubtedly proud of myself as the majority of people I've encountered would not give it a second thought to switch to formula if their nursing relationship was not working out. For me and my family, formula was neither an option nor a choice I was comfortable with. In the 18 month time span there have been at least 4 major recalls on various formulas. How can you trust the companies to feed that to your littlest, most innocent and defenseless family members. With that being said, you must do what is best for your family and for some formula is the solution.

I am excited about being able to wear under wire bras (in a week or two), not having to carry all my ice packs around with my pumping 'stuff;, not having to pump and drive, not constantly having to make sure Jim has not run the dishwasher so I can put my pump stuff in it, ALL.THE.TIME. I will gain back! It is quite liberating.

I am so proud of myself to have made it this far. 18 months is a huge victory (my original goal was 6 months). I pumped while in grad school full time, while interning and having mastitis and countless nipple infections.

I would not have made if for not the amazing support I have found through my wonderful LLL friends. My pumping journey has truly changed my life as I have made some amazing connections to people whom I would never have met otherwise. The families that I donated milk to, my friends that I have made at the LLL groups and the people that friends have referred me to lend help and support to who are going through similar situations. I’m so grateful that this adversity has been such an amazing and positive experience. As almost always the case, the best things in life don’t come easy!