I really enjoy breastfeeding now

[squidkid]

Although I didn't have any specific problems with breastfeeding when my baby was newborn, it was really hard work and I found it such a chore. I was quite engorged and leaked everywhere. Baby fed every 30 mins, had growth spurts constantly. Nipples were sore. None of my clothes fitted. Nursing bras suck. I didn't mind feeding in public, but it's bloody cold in January.

Things like engorgement and frequency of feeds settled down a bit around 10 weeks, but I still didn't enjoy it. I thought I would try to make it to 4 or 6 months as I'd got that far.

But the last few weeks (she's now 17 weeks) it's become a really cosy, special time. She smiles at me after feeding, all milk-happy. I go out with a small bag with just a couple of nappies. Public feeds are now settled and quick and easy. My breasts have settled down now and I've found a bra I like. Even though she goes through the night now, I don't wake up engorged anymore. I get a dreamy happy feeling when I'm feeding. I look forward to curling up in my little pile of cushions with a cuppa and feeding whilst I stroke her feet and belly. Lovely.

Now I'm wondering if she'll let me feed her till she's 1. Or 2.

Just thought I'd share, if anyone out there is still in the early stages and feeling a bit hopeless.

[EauRouge]

That's lovely, well done for overcoming all that :) Isn't it great when you really hit your stride and start enjoying it. I'm sure your DD would love to be BF for 1 or 2 years, there are lots of benefits for both of you.

[ChocolateCoins]

Lovely post.

[TerrariaMum]

Well done you. As to her feeding until she is 1 or 2, it is you that will be doing the letting. Why would she want to give up something that tastes nice, is tailored to her and is cuddly? Not to mention comforting when she is teething.

I still feed my 2 yo and it is lovely.

[TeaandHobnobs]

squid that is a lovely post

[SantasHairyBollock]

It's lovely - I didn't feel like that till about 5-6m but then it felt like the easiest thing in the world. Like magic. And that hormoney swoon is lovely, I missed that for quite a while after DS weaned at 2.

I purposely didn't plan how long to feed for, we just took it a day at a time and when he got to about 1 I realised we would probably be carrying on for a while yet. Enjoy her

[FruitSaladIsNotPudding]

Thanks for posting - my dd is 9wo and ebf ing is a chore at the moment. I keep setting myself new targets to reach, but it's nice to think it might actually get enjoyable!

[comeonbishbosh]

Thanks for posting. I had a similar experience, it took me until about 5 months i think to really get the breastfeeding 'glow'. And it really helped that a good friend had told me beforehand that it took her about that long as well.

[MarathonMama]

I'm totally with you, hated it at first but love it now! DD is 10mo and wants to stop though, which makes me

[stargirl1701]

That's really lovely. I'm happy for you..and a wee bit sad for me. Well done!

[IWorshipSatin]

Aww that's really lovely - you've actually made me look forward to doing it again so thank you for that as I was kind of focusing on the negative

[Idratherbeknitting]

What a lovely thread. It's so hard to explain that things do get better, and then it becomes so easy and normal, and it's such a special time to have with your baby.

I have ebf all 4 of my DC, but in those early, toe curling days with DD1 I wish someone would have told me how easy it gets! I think if you can keep going those first, sometime really hard months, it's wonderful. We tend to concentrate on the first few weeks of bf, and then the extended bf-ers; nothing in between.

My DS is now 7 months, and still feeds constantly, but I'm savouring each feed, as this is my last baby, and I know I'll wierdly miss it when we stop (when he's ready).