I shouldn't feel this way...

...but I am counting the days until Emma turns 6 months. That's the point at which I will start phasing out the whole pumping thing, I think. I (and my boobs) just can't take it anymore. I hate it. And it's really hard to make yourself do something you hate 6-7 times a day. Everything I've read says that there is no proven benefit to nursing after 6 months. Just because it's not proven doesn't mean it's not true, of course, but either way, most experts agree that babies get the most out of nursing in the earlier months.

I also hate that I hate it--even more than the act itself. It makes me feel like I'm a rotten mom. (Foolish, I know. Perhaps it's the hormones.) I would do anything for Emma. There's no doubt about it. Unfortunately, though, that only motivates me to continue; it doesn't make it any less painful, monotonous, or time-consuming. And won't Emma benefit more from a happier mom who has an extra two hours a day to spend with her? (Yes, folks, I spend 2 hours or more at the pump every day.) I'd say the answer is yes.

Ahh...motherhood. Good times.p.s. I'm not complaining. I CHOSE to pump and I'm glad I did. It was definitely the right decision for me and Emma is certainly thriving. I'll just be glad to have my teats to myself again someday.

(Sorry if you just read something boob-related and didn't want to. I haven't blogged much about it since it's on the verge of being too personal. I just had to get it all out this time. And I couldn't help myself with the visual!)