In the last almost 5 years there was 1-2 months that I wasn’t pregnant or breastfeeding. I always said I would nurse as long as my babies wanted provided I too was enjoying it. Harlyn was rather simple, cutting down to a single night feed for the last year of our BF journey & then stopping on her own. Then Halestorm. His nursing needs escalated over the last 8 months to the point he was refusing solids and I’d literally have to peel him off of me. Countless times at 3am with tears running down my face, I knew I couldn’t keep this up but he’s my baby, and highly likely my last baby. It was, however, becoming detrimental to our health. Little sleep, my body producing milk 24/7, and accepting no other nutrition source. It was no longer working for us. So I sent him to the folks for a few days where he didn’t even care about milk. When he returned, I did my best to keep him off me and limit feeds. I wore bandages during the day, stating they were broken. He shed a few tears the first time yelling “boobiesss” but soon he let it be. I then slowly replaced his night time feeds with his water bottle, and he has since slept through the night every night and is back to eating most meals! He’s tried to pull a sneaky a few times, but other than that we have both a healthy + happy mom and bub!I can’t help but tear up knowing that journey has come to an end. Breastfeeding can bring about a multitude of physical and emotional changes from beginning to end.I guess it’s like any major milestone-you’re thrilled but at the same time you grieve the loss of your child’s dependence on you. This is motherhood. So I’m reminding myself that it’s okay to cry, but to also be proud of what we did achieve. I’m also reminding myself that these wild emotions will not last, and some are likely attributed to the hormonal changes thanks to weaning. Did you know that when you stop breastfeeding, there’s a big drop in prolactin and oxytocin levels, hence a likely drop in mood. Soz Coynie. So although today I’m a little down, I’m, so very grateful to have the bond I do with these two. Provided the hugs, kisses and laughs never end… I’ll be one happy mama.