What to expect after 10 years of nursing

[Mytwokids]

I first got pg in June of 1999 and was nursing or pregnant until Feb of this year. My first was born in Feb 2000 and outside of 3 months I was nursing until this Feb. I have been dealing with depression, anxiety etc on and off since my second was born in 2002. My youngest is 4 now. He stop nursing around his 4th birthday but for the 6 months before hand he was only nursing 1-2 times a day. I really didn't feel like I was even lactating during that time but according to him I was .

I'd love to hear others experiences who have nursed for extended periods of times and how or if they were affected once they finally stopped.

TIA, Micky

[lunita1]

My oldest was born in January 1999, and my 4 year old weaned in September of 2009. I did have two months during my third pregnancy when my middle wasn't nursing, but other than that it was nearly ten years straight of breastfeeding. The only real change I saw when she weaned was that my libido finally REALLY returned. And thus... I was pregnant less than a year later (my baby is 3 weeks old).

My breasts didn't shrink at all (I wish.) Emotionally, there was some adjustment/transition to a different phase in my life, and an opening of possibilities as I felt like I was just myself again instead of belonging to my kids in such a physical way. But well, then I was pregnant again. LOL.

[candipooh]

I was either pregnant or nursing (or both) for 8 years. When I weaned my youngest around her 3rd birthday I was in the process of loosing weight. I was just so ready to have my body back. For me it was liberating. It felt great. I had no feelings or sadness at all.

[Mytwokids]

Thanks for your responses. I was/am definitely ready to be done. I am not sad, much to my surprise. I feel like I am coming out of a very long term depression I wasn't really aware I was in. About a month ago (about a month after I stopped nursing) I felt like a shade was lifted from my eyes. I have always felt like I have had seasonal depression (I live in MN) and I chalked it up to that at that time. But I feel like I have a new sense of confidence, energy, desire to live again that I haven't felt in years. I am wondering if it is more than just my usual seasonal stuff. That maybe I have been more affected by nursing than I realized. Of course they may not be at all related .

I have noticed an increase in my libido too. Lunita, I had to laugh when I read your post. That happened to us between my second and third. My 3rd is now 4 and we have taken permanant steps to keep our family at 5 .

I have been told over the years that I would feel different once I stopped nursing, that my energy would increase etc. I never really believed it. But now I'm wondering what affect lactating for so long did have on me. I don't regret extended nursing at all but if I can shake the anxiety and depression now for good i would be extremely greatful.

Micky

[1babysmom]

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Edited by 1babysmom - 3/18/13 at 8:50pm

[RheaSilva]

LOL! I read the title of this thread and thought someone was writing about bf-ing a 10 year old. I was like, "whoa! That's pretty far out there even for this board!" Then I was picturing a mom knocking on the 5th grade classroom door because it was time for Johnny's lunch...
I REALLY need my coffee!!

[mamaw/two]

Originally Posted by RheaSilva

LOL! I read the title of this thread and thought someone was writing about bf-ing a 10 year old. I was like, "whoa! That's pretty far out there even for this board!" Then I was picturing a mom knocking on the 5th grade classroom door because it was time for Johnny's lunch...
I REALLY need my coffee!!

This is such an interesting thread, I had never even considered what it will be like when I am done nursing.... I sure know that I don't feel like I used to before becoming a mother. Definately a lower libido and some depression and anxiety. I have been nursing and/or pregnant for 9 years and will be for at least 2-3 yrs longer (hopefully longer if we are blessed with more babies). I'll be watching this thread for more stories!