u/SystematicDragons

Gift article link.

I'm in kind of a weird, unexpected situation and would appreciate any feedback, advice, or commiseration!

I exclusively breastfed my now 2.5 year old son, pumping occasionally in the first year, but haven't pumped in well over a year now. He still nurses 2-3 times a day, for sleep and comfort. As far as I knew he was getting milk when he nursed.

I've been thinking about breastmilk jewelry for awhile now, haven't been in a huge rush since I was still breastfeeding, but knew I wanted to order a piece before we weaned, which I figure will be this year. So I finally placed an order on Sunday and now need 15ml to send in. I don't have any in the fridge since I havent pumped in so long, but figured it wouldn't be too difficult to just pull out the pump and get a half ounce.

So I went to pump today... and was surprised and disappointed to get almost nothing. Probably less than 5ml. I was never an over producer, but I would always get at least 2oz if I needed a bottle for whatever reason.

My son is my first (and only), so it's uncharted territory for me... but I guess I'm wondering, for those who have gone through this before... is it possible my milk dried up and I just didn't notice? Has my son just been dry nursing this whole time? I see milk in his mouth when he pulls off sometimes, and I can hand express a bit... but pumping isn't doing anything, which has never happened before.

This feels like such a weird, unique situation, but has anyone else been through something similar? Any advice? I guess it doesn't matter as long as my son is happy, especially since he doesn't need it for nourishment, just comfort, which he's still getting... but I'm so sad to think my journey ended and I didn't even notice. And I'm kicking myself for not making sure I had some milk saved for my ring before I ordered it...

I would be grateful for any thoughts anyone has to share.