Goodbye, my precious Medela Freestyle Pump (for now, hehe)

To be honest, I am quite nervous about this post because it makes it so real, hehe :)

As of today, I have been "pump-free" for about two weeks.  For the past two years, I've been pumping milk for Ben aside from directly feeding him.  We usually feed him the express milk over breakfast.  I told myself that when he turns two, I'll see if I can stop pumping.  He now drinks a glass of fresh milk each day, then feeds directly for the rest of the day.

This is a big deal for me because this move is a major step in our weaning process.  It may not seem much because he still gets his dose of breast milk but still a lifestyle change.  Any pumping mom would agree that expressing milk takes time and commitment.  During the first few days of being pump free, I was still in "self-denial", but I reminded myself of the times I was so stressed with the time I spent pumping and being anxious over whether or not I have enough milk.  It was about time to move on and I wasn't much of a happy pumper anymore.  Now, I wonder how I'd deal with the concept of eventually fully weaning him.  I admit, as much as I look forward to it (whenever that might be), I'm scared because with all the viruses going around breastfeeding is one of the best things I can do to keep Ben healthy.

Anyway, to keep this post on a happy note and to give my pump the recognition it deserves for a job well done, here are some unique circumstances / places that I expressed milk for Ben during our two year run

(1) inside the cubicle of a mall comfort room, while overhearing someone asking her companion if what I was doing is sanitary. They were talking in Chinese, probably not realizing I can understand them (since I don't have chinked eyes)  What's a mama to do? There were no breastfeeding rooms in the area

(2) while watching a movie ( don't ask me how, lets just say I wanted to save time and I had my wrap with me anyway)

(3) during our prayer group meetings (thanks for being understanding, friends!)

(4) at 3am in the morning, while watching How I Met Your Mother ( sitcoms are the best pumping companion, they make you relax and are exactly 20 minutes long)

(5) at the prayer room during a retreat


 Thanks for the memories, my pumping friend.  You made my breastfeeding journey easier.  Time to rest and save your energy.  We shall hopefully meet again (wink!)