7 Reasons I’m Relieved to Be Done Nursing

1. My Body is My Own Again

I’m now in charge of who gets to touch my breasts, and my uterus is free from any tenants. I’m a liberated woman—well, sort of. I still find myself wiping noses on my sleeves when tissues are MIA and avoid grocery shopping unless the kids are at school, so “free-ish” might be more accurate.

2. Spontaneous Outings Are Possible

Honestly, I rarely leave the house thanks to my three noisy kiddos. But now, if I choose to venture out, I’m not tied to feeding schedules. No more awkward roadside nursing sessions or attempting to breastfeed in cramped car seats. I can now arrive on time to events (mostly).

3. No More Nursing Spot Reconnaissance

I’ve nursed in some strange places—corners of shopping malls, on a ride-on train, and even from the footrest of a stroller during a parade. Now, I can chase my kids around with my girls securely tucked away instead of scouting for a discreet corner.

4. Nighttime Feedings Can Be Shared

This is the biggest relief of all! With three little ones, my sleep is crucial. Now, I can hand off the baby to my partner for nighttime feedings and remind him of the year I managed solo.

5. Goodbye to Clip-On Bras

No more searching for nursing bras or layering shirts to avoid exposing my stretch marks. The summer months were especially sweaty in that getup. I’m comfortable enough to nurse in public without a cover but not so bold as to flaunt my enormous bra.

6. No More Worrying About Uninvited Photos

I no longer have to fret about someone snapping a picture of me nursing and posting it online with a snarky caption like, “Why can’t these breastfeeding moms just cover up?” Some people just have no tact.

7. Hello, Medications!

I can now take DayQuil or NyQuil, enjoy any tea, or even indulge in a glass of wine without worrying about how it might affect my milk supply. Getting my body back means access to all kinds of medications, which is a huge relief.

Now that I’m done nursing, I can focus a bit more on self-care each week. My kids may still cling to me in a way that sometimes feels like a physical tether, but I know the bond is strong—even without breastfeeding. I can confidently say my baby got everything she needed from me in those early months, and we can all move forward together as a family.

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Summary: Reflecting on the end of breastfeeding, I’ve discovered newfound freedom and relief. From reclaiming my body to enjoying spontaneous outings, the transition has been surprisingly uplifting. The bond with my children remains strong, and I can focus on self-care as we all navigate the next chapters of growth together.