Nursing

Willow totally weaned herself off of breastfeeding around her first Birthday. We were only nursing at dinner and in the wee hours of the morning for the past couple of months. She just wasn't interested anymore. She would nurse for a minute max and was so distracted by everything. I am quite proud we made it this long. I remember how hard the first couple of months were. That god awful nipple shield, those cracked nips, those achy boobs.  I was seriously ready to give up. But am I ever happy I didn't, it truly is one of the most beautiful things I have ever done. Just knowing your body can provide & nourish your baby is so extraordinary.

By the second day we stopped nursing my boobs were as sore as when the milk first came in. So I gave in and let her nurse the following morning. However I only let her drink half of the supply. They didn't even hurt at all that following week! The tenderness totally disappeared. Now I have extra squishy, extra saggy dry milk bags. It's great to have my boobs all to myself again but I do miss nursing...a lot. I selfishly miss being needed, knowing I was the only one that could provide food for my sweet babe. I miss the way she would look up at me, those huge eyeballs staring up at me. I miss the quiet/alone time. I miss the extra long cuddles. I miss her playing with my hair. I miss it all.

For someone who has never been shy about their body I often felt uncomfortable breastfeeding in public. I don't know why? Good thing we always have lived in the woods ;p