and then there was one…

My body “took the hint” pretty quickly that our breastfeeding journey was coming to a close. When I dropped down to two pump sessions per day—6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.—my output started to decrease a little each day. For about a week, the morning pump still produced the largest volume, but eventually they evened out.

When this happened, I pivoted to one pump session per day. I decided on 12:00 p.m., right in the middle of the day, to see how it would go. Thankfully, my body and I continued to follow each other’s lead and the adjustment went well. At first I continued my usual routine of 20 minutes of pumping, and day by day I cut out a minute or two until I was down to five minutes. I decided that my last pump session ever would be the afternoon before our little girl’s First Birthday.

I felt a mixture of emotions during that last pump—but mostly I felt relief, because this journey filled with literal blood, sweat, and tears was coming to a close. As always, fed is best. I knew as I turned my pump off for the last time that she would continue to be nourished as she grows, despite my milk supply’s departure.

A couple things that I tried to ease the “hard stop,” include (not affiliated nor sponsored): Earth Mama Organics “No More Milk” Tea, the Frida Mom Breast Mask for Engorgement, and of course my tried-and-true Legendairy Milk Sunflower Lecithin capsules.

One thing I am keeping a watchful eye on—and that I encourage any Mama who is weaning to watch out for—is Post-weaning Depression. My OB let me know that one type of PPD they diagnose is related to the cessation of breastfeeding. Mental health is critical, and we’re taking weaning one day at a time in the Reinhart Residence.

reflections

I am so fortunate to have experienced this journey, despite the obstacles, and to have made it to my goal of one year of breastfeeding. If I could have told the nine-months-pregnant mama who was obsessively staring at pages and screens during their childbirth and breastfeeding classes that it can happen, I would tell her. If you are that mama, or if you know that mama—please know that you have resources and support to help you in your journey if you choose to take it, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

When I created Oranges Instead of Lemons, my only hope was that another mama-to-be who was combing through internet searches might happen across this page and find something that would be helpful in her journey. This blog is something that I would have loved to stumble across during my frantic two-in-the-morning worry sessions.

THIS CONCLUDES OUR JOURNEY, BUT THIS ISN’T GOODBYE!
OUR INBOX REMAINS OPEN, AND MAYBE WE’LL BE BACK SOMEDAY :)

UNTIL THEN—YOU’VE GOT THIS, MAMA!