Updated: Dec. 2, 2020
Originally Published: Jan. 12, 2013
My little one is now a year old. His appetite has skyrocketed—seriously, he eats like a ravenous teenager—and he’s nursing less frequently. As a result, our breastfeeding journey is nearing its conclusion. This is a bittersweet moment. I’ve enjoyed nursing, but I also miss many of the freedoms that come with it. Like having more than four hours of personal time and the ability to indulge in my vices without considering his feeding schedule. So, I will joyfully celebrate his weaning day by savoring some long-missed pleasures. Huzzah!
- Sleep in. Even on those rare occasions when my baby lets me snooze, my body does not cooperate. The moment the clock strikes 6 a.m., it’s as if my breasts have their own alarm—pressure must be relieved immediately! I can’t wait to wake up whenever I want.
- Reignite my romance. Remember how I mentioned in my previous post about the joys of breastfeeding that I had unprotected intimacy during the first six months? (By the way, plenty of folks challenged my assertion that exclusive breastfeeding serves as effective birth control.) Most days, I just wasn’t in the mood, and that thrilling prospect felt a little less thrilling when I was utterly exhausted. Once the baby is weaned, it’s like a mini-vacation in the bedroom!
- Tuck my pump away. I have a complicated relationship with my breast pump—mostly negative. I plan to stow it away in the dustiest corner of the attic, only to be dug out if I ever decide to have a third child, or perhaps I’ll happily pass it on to someone else.
- Enjoy coffee and cocktails anytime. No longer will I need to schedule my caffeine and margarita consumption around my baby’s feeding times. Cheers to that!
- Revamp my lingerie drawer. Post-nursing, I’m ready to retire my old bras and splurge on some fabulous, flattering, and a bit risqué MILF styles. My ta-tas deserve a treat!
- Run errands freely. I’ve nursed and pumped in countless parking lots, trying to squeeze in errands between feeds. It’s awkward when security checks on you, wondering if you’re up to something shady—all while trying to discreetly manage a nursing session. Soon, I can run errands without the added stress of feeding times.
- Take medicine without hesitation. While breastfeeding, I avoided medications unless absolutely necessary. But once weaning is complete, I’ll happily indulge in some much-needed relief for even minor headaches or discomforts.
- Miss the bonding moments. Yes, breastfeeding can be tiring and inconvenient, but it also offers precious bonding time with my little one. I will, of course, feel a pang of nostalgia for those intimate moments.
This article was originally published on Jan. 12, 2013. If you’re interested in more parenting tips, check out our post about fertility boosters for men at Make A Mom.
In summary, weaning is a significant transition that brings both relief and a touch of sadness. The newfound freedom allows for more personal time, romance, and the ability to enjoy life without the constraints of nursing. However, the sweet memories of bonding with your little one will always remain special.
Keyphrase: Weaning joys
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