On Breastfeeding

This post is one of those super personal ones that I need to write more for myself than for anyone else. I hope you still enjoy reading it! I've been breastfeeding for 8 months. Two months longer than my initial goal. I'm hormonal and tired, but I keep going because I know it's best for Finn. Since going back to work my supply has been pretty steady. I can typically pump 3-4 ounces in each 15 minute pump session. I've always had to supplement since Finn has always been a hefty eater, but I was producing enough to feed him the majority of his bottles. Typically he would only get two formula bottles each day.A few weeks ago, my milk supply started to drop... pretty drastically. I've increased the amount of time I pump and how often I do it. I've taken supplements, been drinking water non-stop, and tried every other "trick" I've read on the internet, but my milk supply has not gone back up. I think my body is telling me that we are done breastfeeding.Over Christmas, I gave myself a mental and physical break from pumping. I had worked into my every day life for months and months and it was getting to me. While I was at my parents, I pumped in the morning and before bedtime. It was the reprieve I needed, and as I started back to work the next week, I began pumping more, and my supply increased, too.But as I approach Finn's 8 month birthday, I realize my time is done. I'm exhausted, yet proud. I'm emotional, yet overwhelmingly relieved. Finn and I were not a good pair when it came to nursing, but we figured out a way that worked for us, and that alone is one of my proudest mom moments.This mom thing is funny. You are pregnant for what seems like forever, just wishing for the day that you can finally meet your baby. Then the day finally comes, and you miss being pregnant. Then you starting wishing for your baby to be able to sit up, and you miss the newborn days that you wished away. The whole time you are breastfeeding you are counting down the days to when you can stop, and that day comes, and you are a mess over not being able to feed your baby anymore. Does it really have to be this emotional?!I know I've lasted a lot longer than most working moms. Finn is growing faster than I could ever imagine. Eight months have flown by. I really thought that I could make it longer, but my body had other plans.When I think about having another baby, I hope that I have the open-mindedness I had with Finn. I hope that I will be able to treat him or her as an individual and figure out what works for us. I also wish this for other moms as they navigate through motherhood.For anyone wondering, this is the breast pump I've used the last 8 months. I had a really good experience with it and was able to get it free through my insurance. I also suggest investing in some nursing tanks and bras, especially for the first few months. This is my own experience, so absolutely do your own research on what works, however, after 8 months of pumping 5-6 times a day, I feel like a pro :)What was your breastfeeding journey like?