10 Things I Won’t Miss About Breastfeeding

My little girl is turning one this month and I can’t believe a year has passed. I wanted to breastfeed for a year, and I’m proud to say I’ve successfully achieved my goal. Please understand, I did not EXCLUSIVELY breastfeed, and there were days where she had more formula than breast milk, but I still feel confident that she has received all the benefits of being a breastfed baby.

Breastfeeding itself has been a constant struggle for us both. It is physically and mentally exhausting, disruptive, and taxing in a way I never thought possible. Even still, I’m a little sad that my baby is moving on from this stage.

I can tell I will soon miss those late nights when it was just the two of us in the chair in her bedroom. To cope, I’m reminding myself of some positive things that will come with this change. I’m hoping it will help me get through this tough transitional period.

So I give you my 10 Things I Won’t Miss about Breastfeeding:

1. Having to frantically run around town trying to complete errands in order to make it back home before the next feeding. I look forward to abiding by all traffic laws again.
2. Choosing my wardrobe based exclusively on the ease of access to my breasts.
3. Having to immediately assess each place I go for the most discreet place to breastfeed in case of a feeding emergency.
4. The breast pump. This one needs no further explanation, am I right??
5. Repeatedly glancing down at my shirt to make sure I’m not leaking.
6. Using half my bathroom counter to store tubes of lanolin, nursing pads, and nipple shields.
7. Having to limit and monitor my alcohol intake – can I get an AMEN!!??
8. The biting, definitely one of the top things I won’t miss about breastfeeding. Again, no need to elaborate further!
9. Having my daughter constantly try to dive down my shirt in public, although I’m sure this will continue for a little while. However, it always makes for fun conversation.
10. The constant, unwavering anxiety over how much she’s eaten and if she’s still hungry. I’m sure this particular anxiety will be replaced by seven other ones as she moves into being a toddler, but a girl can dream, right?

How did your life change after breastfeeding?