Our breast feeding journey might be coming to an end. I’ve got mixed emotions about this but I am honestly excited that he’s growing up. It’s just that this type of bonding is special to me.
Yet I feel like my once magical juice is losing its power!
I call it magical because, first of all, it’s amazing that my body produces nutrition for my child. Plus when nursing before bed it has the same effects as a Thanksgiving Dinner.
(Who doesn’t fall asleep after that meal?)
Before Noah was one I stayed mainly in control of the weaning process. I kept him to a schedule but noticed he was starting to lose interest in different feeding times. After a week or so of little interested I’d drop the feeding.
A little before he turned one we went from nursing 4 times a day to 3 times a day. At this point he was consistently eating 3 good meals a day and I just wanted to make it to my one year goal.
Now that he’s one, I’ve passed the reins to him.
Since he’s such a good eater, I’m confident he’s getting his nutritional needs met. However, I’m in no hurry to be done nursing. Nursing is still nutritionally beneficial plus it’s something that only he and I do together.
He’s becoming more independent but still wants to be close to me and nursing accomplishes that. However, with him now down to about 2 feedings a day, I feel the need to look at other ways of being connected with him.
My juice may have lost its power but my arms & lap have not.
Just like any parent-child relationship there are changes that occur as the child gets older. So instead of nursing for comfort, maybe now we snuggle while reading a book. Or he can sit in my lap while playing.
I’m not fearful of the changes ahead, I just want to be mindful that Noah might want a different form of love from me.
Throughout the changes, I still want a connected relationship. We’ll just have to redefine what that looks like together from time to time, and I’m okay with that.
For now, I’m enjoying each time he still wants to nurse. I never know when it might be his last time.
If you haven’t read this previous post. Check it out! It’ll help you understand how I try to be mindful of Noah’s firsts AND lasts.
Tasha's Take 
I so remember thinking about that last time… I so enjoyed that bonding time with all you girls. I wouldn’t have traded that time for anything! So glad all of you followed in having that time with your children. I know that Noah has bonded and loves your comfort for more than your magic juice. He knows that there is always love and security in your arms. This is a wonderful thing between a child and parent. So glad he has love.