My little one, Mateo, weaned on his own two months ago, and it took me two months to process it. Just a couple days ago, I bought my first non-nursing bra. It’s been 5 years since I’ve worn a bra like this because I was breastfeeding Diego, my first, and I got pregnant and he self-weaned at 22 months, and then 6 months later, Mateo was born. He weaned at 18 months.
While there’s a lot of content and information about initial breastfeeding and breastfeeding an infant, I am here to create space for the moms that had to go through or are undergoing this grieving process of weaning their toddlers. And I’m also here to celebrate with you for breastfeeding them this long!
In this episode, I share my personal journey through extended breastfeeding and weaning, and discuss both the beautiful benefits of nursing beyond infancy and the unexpected gifts that come with weaning. If you’ve been on this journey or have just embarked on it, I welcome you to our space where we can navigate these transitions together.
Embracing Extended Breastfeeding: A Bond Beyond Nutrition
As a mami who has breastfed not one but two beautiful boys, the evolution of our nursing relationship has been a fascinating journey. With my little one, Mateo, who weaned himself two months ago at 18 months, I was surprised by how much I grieved this process. And that’s something we rarely talk about. It’s important to celebrate the nourishing bond created through breastfeeding, extending beyond mere nutrition. It’s about love, comfort, and providing a sacred space for emotional connection.
Toddlers can express their emotions – like Mateo and Diego, who would touch my face or give gentle caresses during our nourishing sessions. It’s these sweet, tender moments that underline the emotional benefits which often go unmentioned in typical parenting discussions.
Weaning: The Unexpected Silver Linings
Now, let’s flip the script and talk about the benefits of weaning, which, surprisingly, came with their own silver linings for me. I suddenly discovered pockets of time, newfound freedom to go on longer outings, and an unanticipated personal autonomy – the freedom to reclaim my body. After sharing myself for so long, this felt both strange and empowering. Maybe you’ll find, as I did, that once you embrace this change, there is a beauty in rediscovering yourself apart from just being a source of comfort.
Evolution of Connection and the Power of Grief
Even though there’s a loss in the way we naturally connect through breastfeeding, the evolution of your relationship with your child can still harbor new, profound connections. Through activities like playtime and reading, Mateo and I found new ways to strengthen our bond, filling the space once reserved for nursing.
But let’s not brush over grief. When Mateo weaned, there were tears in the shower and an emotional void that felt like the entire world had paused. It’s real and deserves the space to be felt and acknowledged. Whether you’re nursing your toddler or processing the end of that relationship, know that grief is an essential step in the healing process. It’s okay to cry, to miss those quiet moments, and at the same time, to cherish the new chapter as it emerges.
Celebrating Change and Embracing Freedom
As I reflect on this journey, I see the power of embracing both the sorrow and joy of these transitions—honoring the achievements and being gentle with oneself. These acts of love for your children and yourself are invaluable. To celebrate, I’m taking advantage of this newfound freedom by attending a friend’s wedding in Mexico. It’s a significant step towards embracing and celebrating this new phase, acknowledging that it’s okay to reclaim joy and freedom simultaneously as we find our footing in this new chapter.
Final Thoughts
To all the mamis out there undergoing this profound journey, I see you. Your feelings are valid, your journey is beautiful, and you are not alone. Celebrate your achievements, honor your journey, and be gentle as you navigate these changes. If you’d like to share your story or connect with someone who understands, feel free to reach out on Instagram or schedule a chat (details linked in the show notes).
Stay strong, mama, for the transformation you’re undergoing is as beautiful as it is complex. Remember, your body, your bond, and your nurturing spirit are magnificent.
Show Notes
In this intimate solo episode, we dive deep into the emotional journey of extended breastfeeding and the often-unspoken grief that comes with weaning. Whether you’re currently nursing your toddler or processing the end of your breastfeeding journey, this episode creates space for the complex emotions that come with this significant transition.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
- My personal story of nursing two children for a combined 5 years
- The three powerful benefits of extended breastfeeding
- The unexpected gifts of weaning
- Processing grief and honoring your journey
Resources Mentioned:
Episodes with Latina IBCLCs:
- 032. Why Breastfeeding Matters For Latina Women with Ileana Berrios
- 036. How To Get The Right Support In Your Breastfeeding Journey with Kassi Reyes
Blog Series:
- 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Stopped Breastfeeding
- Relactation: What Is It and How to Become Successful At It
- How To Start the Relactation Process
About Jessica Cuevas
Jessica is the founder and creator of Viva la Mami, LLC a community centered around Latina motherhood. Jessica created this platform after not finding empowering stories about experiences of Latina moms. She realized that there was a lack of representation in this space and felt there was a need for mamis to share their stories and to learn more about the nuances about motherhood through a cultural lens.
Viva la Mami’s mission is to empower the modern Latina mom to redefine the meaning of madrehood through education, story-telling, and cultural relevance all while bringing comunidad together.
