How to avoid burnout.

[Phridae]

Hi momma. I'm looking for some tips on how to avoid BFing burnout.
I'm lucky and DH is very supportive of me breastfeeding, though he thinks I should stop once DS reaches a year. (he's 10 months now) I kindly tell him he's nuts.

I love breastfeeding. I love knowing that whatever is wrong, I can bring comfort. DS has 4 teeth and hasn't bitten me yet, so I'm sure one day I'll think differently about this.
Of course there have been times where I've thought, "They're mine! I want my boobs back!" Usually during a time of non-stop nursing. Be it a growth spurt, teething, illness.
Breastfeeding has put a damper on the sex life. I dont find nursing pads to be attractive, and I apologize for them all the time. It would be nice to be...handled without springing a leak and showering the walls. KWIM?

My goal is to let DS wean himself when he's ready. But I'm afraid that one day I'll want to stop before he wants to.
So you momma's who have breastfed for an extended period of time, what advice do you have to keep going?

[kriket]

I'm not yet to "extended period of time" but I do get burnt out sometimes like I'm sure all of us do.

I usually think to myself. I could wean, I could just stop nursing. I would have my boobies back, no more biting (mine bites) no more ripping my boobs off. No more nonstop pumping (I WOH)

but then what? we would have to buy formula, I wouldn't get that "all is right with the world" feeling anymore. I wouldn't get to see that sweet face drift off into a milk coma. I wouldn't have the magical cure for owies, teething pain and tiredness.

The pros are outweighing the cons

It's your decision, there are no boobie police that will come take you away if you don't CLW. But I can't look at DSs little pouty face and when he tries to sign milk or when he gets that goofy grin when I sign milk and say no to him!

[3girls1boy]

It sounds like a cliche, but these days will be long gone before you know it. Also remember it is a relationship and like any, it ebbs and flows.

[Bokonon]

Nursing after 12 months was pretty amazing for me. DS was STTN, so breakfast and bedtime were boobie, and any time during the day he wanted it. It was just so easy and without pressure. If he only wanted the toddler carb diet one day, I didn't have to stress. It was just comfortable and loving. He signed "more milk" once while he was nursing, and it melted my heart that he had a signed phrase!

It's been 2.5 years since he weaned, so maybe I'm remembering it through rose-colored glasses, LOL, but I only have fond memories of that stage.

[Phridae]

I think there's a little confusion here. I'm not considering weaning at all right now, just trying to gather some tips to keep in mind should it cross my mind.