5 Last Monday

I remember the last time like it was the first time. I was sitting in probably the least comfortable chair possible. I was exhausted yet so incredibly awake and present in the moment. I was instructed to basically pretend B was a football so that he wouldn't put pressure on my abdomen. Her voice was soft and caring as she told me what the perfect latch would look it. I visualized it in my head and I am pretty sure I mimicked it with my own mouth as I tried to figure out how to get him to latch. That first latch is weird and awesome. I remember the next few days being filled with moments of awe and putting my ear as close as possible to my boob to try and hear if he was gulping down milk. My midwife told me that when my milk came in I would know. Oh boy was she right..there was no mistaking that sound!

I was hooked on breastfeeding right from the start. What I didn't know was that I was headed down the path to being an extended breastfeeder. I have nursed in public and private in 6 different countries but last Monday was the last time that B would nurse. We nursed for 27 months and 3 days. I remember the last time perfectly as I had started to be more aware of each time we nursed. I was more present in the moment just in case it was the last time. I planned on writing about that moment but I can't seem to bring myself to type it out. Not that I don't want to share but I also just want it to be something between B and I. 

 Nursing B in Bahamas when he was 7 months. He always hated being covered.

Last Monday a chapter in our lives ended and I would be lying if I said I am not sad. But I am also happy that we ended it in a way that worked for us and that we got so many wonderful moments together...just the two of us (and family....and the random people in public places).

I had grand plans to pump after B weaned so I could donate my milk to another parent through Human Milk for Human Babies (check them out on Facebook for the group near you). I sat down with my pump last week and after 30 minutes had 1/100th of an ounce. It is embarrassing really since I used to get like 6oz with one pump of the pump. 

I mean seriously look at this....30 min both breasts. He was obviously more efficient than this pump.  

I was given some Honey Suckle breast milk storage bags to test out so I will be donating those to a local Mom who pumps to donate milk to another family.  They have all the traditional features that storage bags have but they are also the first breast milk storage bag that is biodegradable (within 18 months of disposal). Pumping and storing milk always made the tree hugger in me cringe so these are a fantastic solution that will produce less waste when pumping and storing is required.

I received the Honey Suckle breast milk storage bags to review but all opinions expressed are my own.

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