Some Good Things Never Last

I have been lucky enough and blessed that our lovely Lorelei has nursed with me for nearly 8 months. She was a quick learner and latched right away in the hospital. She also took the bottle from Daddy 3 weeks later and has been able to go back and forth with no issues. In a nutshell, she has always been a good and eager eater and I hope always will be. But, some good things never last. Sometimes nature takes it's course and despite every effort I've made (following all the directions from my doctor, lactation consultants, friends, books, and info found online, drinking teas, taking herb supplements, and even a prescription to boost milk supply), my body has a mind of it's own and our nursing sessions are coming to an end. I am currently only nursing in the morning and hope to continue that for as long as possible and are giving formula and solid foods now. I am pleased we made it to our initial goal of 6 months. I know I did my very best, but, am deeply saddened it's ending earlier than I anticipated it to and earlier than I wanted it to. The bond created by breastfeeding and providing her the best nutrition possible is ending and it saddens me so. I know we will bond in so many other ways. But, this one was so precious and important to me, but, I can't let my stubborness get the better part of me. So, we will only nurse in the morning for now and no more breast pumping either. This week I packed away the breast pump. And, now, to you breast pump I say: Good-bye. Good-bye washing and sterilizing your pump parts on a daily basis. Good-bye to putting the parts together and having to yank them apart. Good-bye waking up in the middle of the night to pump. Good-bye to making sure the baby is asleep before I can pump and then praying she doesn't wake up in the middle of it. Good-bye to feeling depressed for only pumping half an ounce when I used to get 4 on each side. Good-bye to the sound the motor makes which I am convinced was saying 'you suck...you suck..' over and over again. Good-bye breast pump. And, good riddance.

 

Then

 

Now