The end of my breastfeeding journey with Tommy

I managed to breastfeed Tommy for 22 months which is quite an achievement, and something I’m really proud of. Through my three breastfeeding journeys, I’ve faced different hurdles. None of them were smooth sailing in the beginning, but I managed to get through those tough first weeks, and now, looking back, I see just how amazing they all were.

I knew our journey was slowly coming to an end, but I wasn’t quite prepared for how it would happen. Over the past few months, Tommy had only been having a cuddle for his nap, at bedtime, and first thing in the morning. That morning cuddle was my favorite -such a special moment together before the chaos of the day began.

Then we went on a family holiday to Auckland, and on the flight up, it was around his usual nap time. He was ready for a cuddle. It was a little awkward breastfeeding a 22-month-old on a plane being all squished in, but we made it work. Little did I know—that would be our last feed. And I think that’s what I’ve found hardest. I always imagined I’d know when our last feed was coming, that I’d soak it all in, really cherish the moment. But instead, it happened in a cramped airplane seat, at an uncomfortable angle, completely unplanned.

That first night in Auckland, we went to a concert (Chris Stapleton was AMAZING, by the way), so my mum gave Tommy a bottle. The next morning, he didn’t come up for his usual cuddle - he was too busy playing with his siblings in our motel room. Then we had another big day out, so he napped in the pram. That night, I had a wedding, so his Chris gave him a bottle again. By then, I realized it had been a couple of days without breastfeeding, and I said to Chris, “I think I should carry on and fully wean Tommy.”

It happened so easily, simply because we were busy. But then, two mornings later, Tommy did want a cuddle. We gently distracted him, and it seemed to work.

When we got home, though, it hit me. He’s my last baby. And I would never get that special moment with him again. I felt sad, emotional, and really down. Tommy kept asking, “Boobie, Mum? Boobie?” - especially when he was tired or hurt. I felt so guilty for him, but we carried on. Now, four weeks in, we’re fully weaned.

Am I still sad about it? Yes.
Does Tommy still ask? Yes. But now he has this cheeky little smile when he does, like he knows there’s no more - he’s just giving it a try.

One thing I’m relieved about? No mastitis this time - unlike when I weaned Quinn that was really painful and unexpected as I didn't think I had much milk there at all!

Through all the ups and downs of breastfeeding, I’m so proud that I was able to create a Lactation Range to support other breastfeeding mamas. This was born out of the hard times I faced during my first and ongoing breastfeeding journeys (you can read about my first breastfeeding journey here), and it means so much to me to be able to help other mums feel supported. I love the beautiful community that’s growing, where mums can connect, feel less alone, and have nourishing snacks to fuel their bodies while they work so hard at making milk for their babies. Because, truly, it’s an incredible thing we do.

If you’re going through this too, just know - you’re not alone. Be kind to yourself. Reflect on your journey. Celebrate what you and your body have done for your baby. It’s truly amazing - YOU are truly AMAZING Mama!

Feel free to share any stories you have of your weaning journey, or you may have some tips and tricks for other Mamas!

Love,
Jo xx