A few months on from weaning my little boy off breast milk, and there have been quite a few drastic changes in my life. I breastfed my little one for just over a year, and it is an act that became second nature to me. Giving it up had it’s challenges, and now that I am on the other side, I am going to tell you how my life has changed since then.

1. Clothes. By far, the biggest noticeable change in my life probably took place in my wardrobe. I no longer had to make sure that everything I wore was breastfeeding friendly, and I could wear what ever I wanted without a care in the world! It was exhilarating….for a mother!
2. Time to let Daddy take the reigns. Now that Baby Z was not required to be constantly attached to me, Mr Z could take a more active role in his life. Mr Z welcomed the idea very much, and I must admit I do get pangs of jealousy when Baby Z only wants Daddy to put him down for nap time. (Then I remember that it means I am free to do what I like, and smile with glee! Hehe!)
3. Freedom. This relates to not having to always be on the look out for baby changing rooms when it is time to feed the little one. Not having to make sure the car is parked close by, if I need to make a quick getaway to feed Baby Z, in case the area we are in is crammed with public. Not having to time myself when I am out, to ensure I don’t miss his feeding time.
4. More baggage. Now that Baby Z doesn’t require milk from me, it means I have to carry around snacks, or meals, in his baby bag. Of course, I must also carry several options in case he is feeling picky.
5. Worry. There is a new mummy worry of mine. Has he eaten enough? Though Baby Z is in fact great with food, and eats pretty much anything I give to him, there is always that mummy worry whether he has had enough to fill his tummy, and also if it was nutritional and balanced enough. This was surely never there when I knew my breast milk was all he needed and had just the right ingredients to keep him alive.
6. Extra cuddles and kisses. I have definitely increased showing affection myself to ensure our bond remains, and this is very much reciprocated by Baby Z. It is just the sweetest moments in the day when Baby Z comes over and plants a big soppy kiss on my cheek, for absolutely no reason. That boy melts my heart every single time.
7. Longer duration of sleep. Baby Z had definitely got into the habit of breastfeeding for comfort, and once he realised he did not need it, he slept for a longer duration during his naps and is currently sleeping through at night. Hooray!! Of course he still has the odd night where he wakes up due to teething pain, but I much prefer the odd night than every single night!

So I suppose there’s both good and bad points now that my breastfeeding journey has truly ended. All I can say for sure is that I will look back at that period in life with much happiness and joy, because for me it was truly a wonderful experience. (You can read more about my Breastfeeding Journey here, or read about my decision to weaning Baby Z here.)

Have you recently stopped breastfeeding? Has your life changed in similar ways to mine, or do you think there is something I have possibly missed out in the list above? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you!