Long post... just need to talk...

I exclusively breastfed for 8 months, but when my son dropped from the 25% to the 2% in the span of two months, I had to start pumping.

After doing weighted feeds, we realized he was just a lazy nurser since getting bottles after my return to work. So from month 8 until today (1 week away from 1 year) I’ve exclusively pumped.

He has gotten a mixture of breastmilk and amino acid based formula (severe milk allergy that previously sent him to the hospital).

But lately I’ve been more and more tired (in my Master’s program right now) and going longer and longer in between sessions. I used to pump 33oz every day. Now I’m at 12oz per day.

My son tried pea protein milk today and drank it and he’s doing better and better with solids! So I’m at the point now where I CAN stop, but I just feel so guilty and sad. For a year my son was nourished primarily from milk that I produced. What a blessing to do so!

It’s just a hard transition. I wasn’t expecting to feel sad...