9 Unique Ways to Honor Your Breastfeeding Journey

Breastfeeding is often one of the biggest challenges a mother can face. I recently completed my two-year journey of breastfeeding. When I started, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It involved some of the most awful pain, but it also provided me with a level of closeness and bonding I never expected. My goal was to reach the 2-year mark before weaning my daughter, and I am proud to say that I successfully achieved that goal. Now, I’m at the emotional stage of reflecting on the experience and considering how I want to commemorate it.

Before I jump into the suggestions, I want to acknowledge that breastfeeding is not a simple and straightforward path. So whether you breastfed for two hours, two days, two months, or more than two years, your experience deserves to be recognized.

There are many unique ways to celebrate and honor such an intense journey, but these are the nine options that stood out the most to me. I hope you find something that peaks your interest.

Breastmilk Jewelry

In recent years, breast milk jewelry has gained popularity as many companies now share tips or showcase their products on Instagram. If you’re unfamiliar, companies take breastmilk, turn it into a powder, and use that to craft jewelry, typically using resin. These companies often allow additional inclusions besides breastmilk, such as formula, ashes, umbilical cord, hair, placenta, dried flowers, or gold flakes.

From what I’ve seen, this idea, like many things, is pretty controversial to the online community. Some people love the idea, and others are disgusted. I thought it was very cool, but I’m not squeamish. There are numerous sites online offering customizable breastmilk jewelry, so you’ll want to do your research and choose a company that’s reputable and offers a design you like. If I decide to purchase any breastmilk jewelry, I will update this post with my recommendations.

A Photoshoot

How sweet would it be to document your breastfeeding journey with a photo shoot? I personally enjoy having my photo taken, though it might sound awful to someone who dislikes having their picture taken. For me, it feels like a fun and unique way to celebrate this experience.

If you’re still breastfeeding and feel comfortable, it could also provide a visual representation of your journey. However, I totally get that not everyone wants to share their breastfeeding moments, especially with a strange photographer you have only just met. If that sounds like you, a partner, friend, or family member may be a better fit than a professional.

Another option is to make it a cute candid photoshoot capturing special moments between yourself and your child, no actual breastfeeding required.

Photo Album or Photo Book

Once you have your breastfeeding photos or photos with your young one, you can turn them into a photo album or photo book. If you want to make it more detailed, you can include captions about your breastfeeding journey. Remember, this is a keepsake for yourself; you don’t have to show others unless you feel comfortable and want to share.

Breastfeeding Journal

Some women prefer to document their experiences through the written word. If this sounds like you, or if you aren’t comfortable having your photo taken, you could choose to write about your experience in a breastfeeding journal. Just like the photo album, you could keep this journal for yourself or share it with your child once they’re older.

Write a Letter

If you’re finding this article at the end of your breastfeeding journey, writing a letter may be a better choice compared to a journal. You can dedicate the letter to your child or to yourself and share any details you want to remember about your breastfeeding experience.

Breastmilk Blown Glass

Even as I write this, I’m still in awe of the concept of incorporating breastmilk into blown glass. The artist I found offering this lives in Northern Ireland, but accepts orders from abroad. Helen Hancock Glass sells a variety of custom-made glass items such as paper weights, bowls, baubles, and mounted glass. She also partners with a jewelry designer if you would like breastmilk jewelry made from blown glass, rather than resin. I would love to purchase something from her, since her work is stunning and unique. I will definitely post photos of whatever I purchase.

DIY Dried Breastmilk Craft

For the moms who aren’t afraid to DIY, Keepsake Mom sells a kit that allows you to dry out your own breastmilk and turn it into a powder. You can then use that powder for your own creations. One option is to keep the breastmilk in a necklace vial, in its dried and powdered state. Another option is to combine it with resin to make either jewelry or a unique resin design.

If you think you’d like to DIY breastmilk jewelry in a more traditional setting, like a ring, earrings, or even a bead, you can purchase a kit that comes with all of the supplies combined rather than trying to buy each part from a separate site.

Get a Tattoo

Can you think of a more permanent reminder of an experience than getting a tattoo? A tattoo dedicated to your child and your breastfeeding journey may be the perfect way to memorialize such a monumental experience.

There are tons of designs online if you look. You can choose to be as subtle or as obvious as you’d like with the tattoo design. The beauty is that you get to choose a piece of artwork that resonates with your experience as a mom. If you’re wondering where to get started, Pinterest is always a great option when looking for tattoo inspiration.

Go On a Trip

Being a breastfeeding mama often means you’re influenced by your baby’s feeding schedule. Some babies refuse a bottle or will only have a bottle if it’s freshly pumped milk. Even if your child did take a bottle, you still needed to keep up the supply.

That’s why going on a trip is such a fun way to commemorate the end of your breastfeeding journey. You now have the freedom to go, with or without your child, on a getaway. No more planning outings around when the baby has to eat next. No more calculating how much milk is stored in the freezer. This is your time to bask in your freedom. Sure, you’re obviously still needed as mom, but the distance requirements have gotten more flexible.

So if you’ve been itching to go on vacation, or even an extended evening outing, now is your chance! You can forever remember this trip as the celebration of your breastfeeding journey. And even enjoy a celebratory drink if you so choose!

This Isn’t the End, But the Start of a New Chapter

Any big change can be hard, even if it’s something you’ve wanted. It can be even more challenging if it’s something you didn’t want to end. The beauty of motherhood is that when one season ends, a new one begins. As your breastfeeding journey comes to a close, you have the opportunity to honor the experience and look forward to what comes next.

Which of these ideas of breastfeeding commemoration resonated with you?