Hello, goddesses. So one month ago, I decided to stop breastfeeding my son after 14 months. I truly enjoyed the journey (you can read about why I love breastfeeding here) and I didn’t really want to quit at all but I figured it was in the best interest of me and my son. I was going on a week-long vacation out of the country. Yes, I could’ve pumped and stored breastmilk but my son breastfeeds for comfort especially at night. Before this vacation, he has always been able to nurse. And this child has never ever liked a bottle…so bottle feeding at night was not an option. Weaning was its own journey and in case you’re a mommy going through weaning or about to wean, I want to let you know my weaning experience.

1. Feeling guilty? It’s normal.

A combination of hormones and feeling selfish about stopping breastfeeding simply because I wanted to go vacation made me feel guilty. I felt like I was listening to people who wanted me to stop breastfeeding for their own personal reasons (breastfeeding mom’s know the comments). But when I assessed things I realized that I wanted this childfree time with my husband, that my son would be miserable (and so would my parents) if I didn’t wean him before I left, and at 14 months, we had a good run. The guilt will go away.

2. You may have to pee…a lot.

So I’m not sure if this is a thing, but I had to pee all of the time when I was weaning. I teach middle school, and I was weaning during state testing and it was so hard to find someone to cover for me when I needed a bathroom break. This was probably the craziest set back.

3. Babies are very adaptable

I’ve learned this lesson again and again but I always freak out about how my children will react to changes. It was rough at first but my son ended up adjusting better than I did. He was over it within a week.

4. You can get huge clogged ducts that hurt like hell.

With weaning, the physical pain was horrible. I knew that it could happen. I’ve had clogged ducts every once and awhile during my breastfeeding journey but this was more horrible because you don’t want to pump or feed the baby because it will create more milk, but damn it I had to feed him at one point because hand expression wasn’t enough. My husband could literally see the swollen knots and the last thing I wanted was mastitis. Once I fed the baby, that one time, I felt extremely better and feeding him that one time did not set us back as I thought it would. I would recommend slowly weaning your baby and cutting back feedings if possible.

5. You’ll want to give up.

Rather than hearing his heartbreaking cry or dealing with the horrible pain there were times when I thought, “f” this weaning crap. Let’s cancel our vacation, or my parents will just have to figure out what to do with him at night when he wanted his human pacifier. But I couldn’t do that. I had a goal to fully wean him and I made it happen. If mommy led weaning is what you choose to do, you can do it, mommy. Remember, the first few nights and days may be rough for you and baby but keep pushing.

6. I miss breastfeeding.

Even a few weeks after he has stopped breastfeeding, I miss the physical and emotional closeness. I miss the night time cuddles. On the other hand, I love not thinking about having to pump when I’m out or at work. He sleeps a lot better at night because he doesn’t have the attachment of comfort nursing. He’s also still a momma’s boy and still likes to be held.

7. I miss breastfeeding

Are you just beginning your breastfeeding journey? Read the tips that helped me become a breastfeeding champion here.

What have you learned about weaning? If you haven’t stopped breastfeeding, what are your fears or questions? I’m here to help.