Things I’ve Learned From Breastfeeding for 17 Months

by Meghan Yost

Are you just starting to breastfeed? Maybe you’re pregnant with your first baby and planning to nurse? Here are some lessons from my breastfeeding journey to help you wherever you are in yours.


Our breastfeeding journey has come to an end, but I am so happy to say Grace and I made it 17 months. I planned on breastfeeding her for two years – because that’s what the World Health Organization recommends – but I knew it was ultimately up to Grace. She was ready and so was I.

It’s been a few weeks now since Grace last nursed (she’s now 18 months old). I knew she was ready when she just didn’t seem interested – and started biting me (ouch!). She was really only drinking at night before bed – and sometimes in the morning. So in place of her night feeding, we decided to give her milk. Of course, it was plant based: A mix of B12 fortified macadamia nut milk (Milkadamia’s unsweetened vanilla) and vanilla oat milk (she will only drink the Pacific brand).

While it’s bittersweet, I’m happy Grace weaned naturally. So whether you’re starting on your own breastfeeding journey, or planning to nurse in the future, here are a few lessons I learned along the way:

lessons from breastfeeding

CLASSES BEFORE BIRTH AREN’T MUCH HELP

My husband and I took a breastfeeding class before Grace arrived and to tell you the truth, we didn’t learn much. Mostly because the way we thought things were going to go isn’t how they happened (you can read all about the start of my journey here). The best way to learn (at least for me) was from the nurses and lactation consultants in the hospital and just plain ole experience.

LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS

Grace didn’t latch right away and then it took three months for the pain to go away. That’s definitely not how I pictured things playing out but in the end, we stuck with it the payoff was worth it.

SEEK HELP

If you’re having trouble, see a lactation consultant. They are immensely helpful and encouraging. I went a few times after leaving the hospital and also attended a support group.

YOU DON’T NEED TO MASTER EVERY SINGLE FEEDING POSITION

There are pretty much a thousand different positions you can feed your baby. I could only do two. It worked for us and that’s just fine.

lessons from breastfeeding

BREASTFEEDING IS ABOUT SO MUCH MORE THAN FOOD

Our time together secured a bond between us that nothing can break. That’s not to say if you don’t breastfeed you won’t have the same connection to your baby. But I will always remember the feeling of Grace’s warm body tucked safely in my arms (okay, I’m now crying as I write this).

BREASTFEEDING HAS MADE ME ONE PROUD MAMA

It wasn’t easy. It took a lot of work. But we made it to 17 months. In my book, that’s quite an accomplishment.


Thank you for reading about my journey. Where are you at in yours? What lessons have you learned? Be sure to leave a comment below. I love hearing from you. 🙂

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