Boob hats (part 3)

I have previously spoke about how hard breastfeeding can be and how it can be hard to breastfeed in public. However, this post is an update!

My son is now 15 months old and lo and behold I have managed to continue breastfeeding! To be honest I am quite amazed I have managed to keep it going. I did not plan to keep on breastfeeding him and did not have an idea on when to stop.

However, this leads to me asking these questions. When should I stop? Do I want to stop? What will happen?

I like breastfeeding my son. I believe that it has bonded us. So do I want to stop? Kind of.

It’s a tricky situation, isn’t it?

I do want to stop so I don’t have to worry about leakage and wearing pads (sorry to the men out there)! It is embarrassing when it happens even though it is perfectly normal. I hate it when it happens. Some in very uncomfortable situations. So my face goes red, I try to hide it and make an excuse and leave.

I also want to stop so I won’t be in as much pain when I am not with him for a few hours. Imagine working for most of the day and feeling the milk build up! Your boobs start to feel heavier and you become uncomfortable. You need to fix the bra now and again and miss the time with your little person.

I know that you should express when you feel uncomfortable but that still doesn’t take away that feeling from breastfeeding.

Then your emotions build up! You may want to cry as you are in pain and also because your hormones are all over the place. Then missing your little person and wishing you were with them. Watching their milk drunk face (so cute isn’t it)! It sounds hard doesn’t it?

However, if you are like me you would worry about other tings too, like…

Should I be worried that stopping would break some of the bond we share?

I love the bond my son and I share. I know when he is hungry and know when he is tired. Yet, he also knows when I am not well and when I need a hug. It’s an unbreakable bond. I don’t think there is a good description to explain the bond between a mother and their baby. As it is a magical experience that no one can replace.

It’s a great sensation giving your little person milk. Giving them your energy and love. Knowing that they are getting antibodies and maintaining their health. It’s great that you are sharing magical moments together.

So should I be worried? I think so. I don’t know if it will break our bond. I am hoping it won’t. So hopefully someone will let me know, what to expect.

Should I be worried that stopping will be sore for me?

It is advised by NCT to reduce breastfeeding gradually to reduce engorgement and to also try and give them a milk substitute when dropping a breastfeeding meal. Luckily, for me my son likes to have water with his meals. So I can always try to give him more water and try him with milk.

So hopefully this will reduce my chances for being sore and in pain. However, I am a worrier so it will always play on my mind. It will make me feel anxious when I do stop. Will this anxiety cycle ever end? So here’s to hoping it won’t be as painful.

So when will I stop?

When I am ready.

Is it now?

Still not sure!

So if you have any experiences or answers let me know. It will be greatly appreciated 💖