I am no longer a breastfeeder :(

[monster_munch]

I got to 8 months but still feel pretty shit.

My aim was minimum of 1 year, or until he self weaned, but I suppose in a way he did self wean. The past 2-3 weeks have been awful feeding him. He just hated it. Would pull off after a few sucks and want to look around - he's desperate to be independant of me.
I spoke to my hubby today and he said it was about time, so this evening I gave him his last feed I practically had to force him he was biting me and putting his hand in front of his mouth and arching his back (it's been like this for a while now, so it's not a one off thing) I wanted to keep going with at least a couple of feeds a day, just to keep it going but he's not having it. After his performance this evening it's cemented the decision - seeing your own son detest feeding from you to the extent he wants to hurt you but then squeal with delight when he sees a bottle of formula kinda tells you doesn't it.

I know I've done a good job but feel like a failure right now. Sorry a bit of a self indulgent post, just need to let it out - have been crying on and off pretty much all night, feel like he doesn't need me any more iykwim

 

[NICCI]

wow hun 8 months is amazing well done!!! dont feel guilty the decision was kinda made for you!!! your lil boy is just a nosy lil chap

 

[keli]

Awwwww green bean will always need his mummy I can't pretend how you feel as i've still got a booby monster but i dread the day he decides to stop. You should be really proud of your little man for making his own decision. Well done for getting to 8mths, you've done you both proud!

 

[DebbieM]

You did so well. Don't feel bad.

What will you do if he comes back and tries for more booby though?

 

[purple13]

you've done brilliantly honey - you really have!! don't feel bad for one second

have you thought that it might possibly be a nursing strike though? it might be worth bearing in mind as they can last several weeks...

and if its not, then ce la vie! 8 months is a wonderful achievement and you should be proud

 

[monster_munch]

If he comes back then i'll welcome him with open arms, just hope my supply keeps up, I can't express so can't even pump to keep a bit of BM aside...
Although if I'm honest I kinda hope my supply dries up - it's almost torturing me at the moment, I have plenty of milk and he doesn't want it.
He used to get excited when he saw me in the morning, now he just whinges until he sees a bottle, then he gets excited.... typical man, he didn't love me, he loved my boobies!

 

[Babylicious]

 

[lisa&alex]

you have done amazingly! and its better that he has weaned himself rather than you have to do it and him not wanting to hey? 8 months is a mega achievment! so well done! xx

 

[mrs_tommo22]

MM you are so not a failure, he has said enough mummy im ok now, thank you very much - gimme food!

You have done fantastic and should be so proud of yourself. George looks fab mate.

 

[Bloom]

Try not to look at the negative and look at the positive you had fed him for 8 months that fantastic and you should be proud of yourself.

 

[Sherlock]

Awwwww hun

You did brilliantly and he's only doing what feels right to him for whatever reason so don't beat yourself up about it. Some babies choose to leave the boob behind sooner than others. I get the feeling Galen will be the same within a couple of months if the BLW goes as well as it is so far.

I do feel for you and can imagine how you feel so sad. But you did so well and making it to 8 months is no eay feat. Yay for the boobie for that long anyways

 

[mummykay]

8months is a fab achievement, so yay for u!!

also shows green bean is pretty independant already, self weanings pretty gd goin!!

 

[Nicola g]

well done for getting to 8mths

 

[trixipaws]

i got to eight months too- which is quite long considering the average- but like you i found it very hard to "give up" i missed it soooooooooooo much u wouldnt believe! i posted a similar thread in here last february lamenting that i'd sadly come to the end of that chapter

big hugs, i know how u feel

 

[Charlie:-)]

Wow 8 months is a brilliant achievement well done.

 

[Steelgoddess]

Just wanted to show some support that must be hard hon

P.s 8 months is bloody good!!!!!

 

[clarey]

Well done hun, 8 months is fab, Green bean still needs you, dont feel too sad, at least now when he smiles at you you know its for YOU and not just your boobs!
youve done a briliant job x

 

[Geordie&Bairn]

congrats on getting to 8 months you have done so brilliantly to get this far you should feel rightly proud
Yes its sad when it ends i'll feel the same
Mind you get your body back

 

[Squiglet]

Its something silly like only 3% of mothers get beyond 6 months of breastfeeding in the UK so you are in the top 3% hun... That has to be something worth celebrating.