If you asked me a few months ago I NEVER would’ve told you that I would panic over the thought of being done with breastfeeding. From day one I already had the end date in mind. Now, in the ninth month I wish I could tell myself how much easier it would get. That’s why when my son got a cold and went on a nursing strike I panicked. Could it really be the end of breastfeeding for me?
My son woke up with a stuffy nose, and was miserable! (poor little guy!) I just wanted to make him better. When I sat down to nurse I got him into position and to my surprise he wouldn’t even try to latch. He arched his back and struggled against me. He wouldn’t nurse! I had to improvise so I made him a bottle of my frozen stash.
The ironic thing is that after weeks of deliberation I had finally decided to stop pumping at night. I was doing so to make extra bottles and for his food. It was a struggle to decide to stop, but I had to do it for me. I went around telling everyone I was finally done. I felt free! Now, with the nursing strike I was pumping 4 times a day! I hadn’t done that since he was a few weeks old! I was very sad.
The strike continued for 4 days. For each feeding I would sit in the glider and offer the boob only to have him turn his head in disgust. I know they say that babies won’t nurse sometimes due to teething, or a cold, and I was hoping this was the case. I could handle a short term strike, but I feared the worst. Did he decide he liked the bottle of the breast? He looked very happy holding that bottle on his own.
On the 4th day of the strike I was thinking of my options. I was in the home stretch of breastfeeding with only 3 months to go. Could I go on pumping his bottles? I honestly didn’t think I could. Was I being selfish? Formula terrifies me. How much to give? What would it do to our routine? I knew in my head that it was his choice to stop nursing, not mine, but I really started to get sad. I wasn’t prepared.
Each time I put him to my breast to attempt to nurse I prayed that he would latch. Then, on Sunday, he did! I got ready for our morning try and he just latched! I honestly almost cried. I thanked my son (it’s true, I did!). Who would’ve thought!? I felt so much relief. At this point I truly want to make it the full year. I wasn’t ready to be finished nursing, and I am glad my son decided to end his strike. We are now in the home stretch!
Jen, I’m so sorry that happened but so glad he is nursing again! Just curious, other than having a goal in mind, what has influenced your decision to stop nursing at a year? It sounds like you are really enjoying it and I wonder if you might enjoy nursing longer? I don’t mean to pry or try to persuade you of anything at all, but it just came to mind when reading your post. You have done a great job for your little babe! ?
I do love it, but I am also ready to get my body back! lol I just really would like to make it without having to give formula. It will be a bittersweet day when we hit the year mark!
Yay!! Glad to hear he is back at it! Glad it worked out.
Geeze, I can not believe he is 9 mos already… and that year just around the croner.
Hope all is good with you.
I can’t believe it either!!!!
Formula scares me, also. It makes me gag when I smell it! I’m so glad he latched for you. When they are sick, they can’t breathe through their noses and it makes for a hard time nursing. You are doing so good, but, I totally understand wanting to get your body back. Not worrying about supply and engorgement issues, what to eat and drink, etc. Plus, losing weight! I know I can’t really lose weight while nursing, and it’s proven itself for my 3rd one, too. Keep it up, though! These last 3 months will fly by. ?