[*~*MagicHour*~*]

Today is the last day I will be exclusively BFing my 5 month old son as tomorrow we will be starting him on formula and weaning him onto it completely over the next 4-6wks.

It has been a tough journey (read here if you are interested - I'm having a rough day today and don't really want to repeat it all) and an even tougher decision but I know that in the end I've made the right decision for me and my son.

Today I will take some photos of me breastfeeding my son and know that deep down I have done all I can to give him the best possible start in life. It has been a wonderful experience (even through the pain and agony) and I will treasure it always.

[Rewom]

I havent read your history, but really, well done for making it this far. Even more well done for chosing now what is best for you and your bub. . Enjoy your last few feeds, have a glass of champers tonight and celebrate a great bf journey. Next journey is about to start!

[Amber Spyglass]

Congratulations on breastfeeding your son for five long months. The nourishment, comfort and immunological benefits you have given him so far are immeasurable.
You've done a great job, well done.

[roses99]

You've done a GREAT thing to get this far!

Can I suggest you work out a little mantra (like 'I have done my best, I love my son, I am doing the best thing by him') that you can repeat to yourself anytime you feel guilt or sadness getting the better of you? Positive self-talk can be incredibly helpful.

Good luck

P.S. That's not to say that grieving your BF relationship isn't a valid response to what you're going through.

[boatiebabe]

Congratulations on getting so far!

You should be really proud of yourself.

Have a read of this to see what a great start you have made to your DC:

http://www.drmomma.org/2009/12/if-you-nurse-your-baby.html

[*~*MagicHour*~*]

Thanks everyone for your lovely kind words - it brings a smile to my face on what is a tough day!!

Rewom - Glass of champers sounds lovely but it might have to wait until we've cut down to only a couple of feeds. My lil guy still BF 6-8 times a day (incl 2-3 overnight) and since I'm taking it slow to wean him off I think I'll hold off on the alcohol until I'm down to only a couple of feeds (and none overnight!).

Chevrechou - Thanks heaps!! I will remember how much benefit I have given him as we begin to cut down on our BFs - I know that I have done a great job and given him a good start to life!

roses99 - I love the mantra idea - I have put that one in my phone to look out when things get tough. You're right, grieving is normal too but I need to be positive so I can begin this new journey with a smile on my face and in my heart!

boatiebabe - Thanks for that link - made me smile to see all the benefits I've given my DS despite only exclusively BFing for 5 months and even though he will have some formula starting tomorrow we will probably still be doing a little bit of BFing (as we slowly wean) at 6 months so he'll be getting some of those benefits as well.

Thanks again ladies. You've made me very proud of what I have achieved and instead of feeling sad I feel pleased that I've given my gorgeous lil man a great start to life!

Onto the next part of my journey!!