No matter when your breastfeeding journey comes to an end, it’s a time of intense emotions ranging from pride and relief to loneliness and sorrow. I remember my own feelings of deep sadness and finality when I decided to wean Brooks. Even though I had another baby on the way, I knew that this marked a bittersweet milestone for us, and our relationship would never be quite the same. That may sound dramatic, but each breastfeeding experience is completely unique. Our bodies even create different recipes for different children.
Those little skinny legs that used to scrunch up around me as we’d rock in the dark and nurse before bedtime, now dangle from his booster seat as he asks for a second slice of pizza. That season of life is over for us, and I don’t have even a single photo to remember it by.
See, I used to feel weird about commemorating this journey. I took no offense to women who did, but I thought it just wasn’t for me. That was before I realized how quickly it goes and before the truth sank in that I’ll never get that time back.
They say you do things differently with your second baby. And your third, your fourth, and so on. It’s been true for me, at least, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. I’m no longer timid about this beautiful and practical function of the female body. I take pride in what I’ve given to my babies, and I’m mindful that each nursing session brings me closer to the end of this experience, maybe forever.
The fact is, it will come to an end. Whether 6 months or 10 years from now. And I’m already thinking of ways to preserve these memories.
A great, tangible example is custom breast milk jewelry. Using a sample of your milk, Monique of Blessed Grove Keepsakes creates a one-of-a-kind jewel that can be set into a ring or worn as a pendant or charm.
She offered to make one for me, and I’m so thankful she did. I chose this beautiful caged pearl that I wear on a silver chain. As much as I want to be a jewelry person, I’m simply too hurried, forgetful, and grabbed at by pudgy baby hands these days. Aside from my wedding ring, the only other jewelry pieces I wear consistently are simple pendant necklaces, so I knew this option would work well for me.
The jewels are crafted from an easy-to-care-for resin mixture. In addition to breast milk, Monique is able to incorporate many different types of inclusions for your wearable memories including powdered placenta, umbilical cord, cremation ash, and hair.
Since it’s important to avoid water and excessive heat, I selected a chain that’s long enough to slip over my head. That way I’m not tempted to sleep in it or wear it in the shower. I never underestimate my own laziness.
All kidding aside though, this one-of-a-kind jewel has become one of my most treasured items, and its sentimental value will only grow over time as I look back on this sweet journey I shared with my little loves.
Gift It
A Blessed Grove keepsake would be a treasured gift for any mother. Due to the turnaround time of 10-12 weeks, we suggest purchasing a gift certificate to present on Christmas morning. Your gift recipient can send in their breast milk or other inclusion at their convenience and receive a second surprise when their one of a kind, handmade keepsake arrives in the mail. Custom orders welcome!
Connect with Blessed Grove Keepsakes on Facebook and Instagram.
Win a Blessed Grove Keepsake
Monique is generously offering one of my readers their choice of a key chain, European bead, or 8 mm pearl pendant with one inclusion. What a wonderful gift! Enter in the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US, 18+. Winner’s entries will all be verified. Prize delivery is not guaranteed by Christmas, so please plan accordingly.
Click here to check out my other open giveaways and be sure to follow me on Facebook!
Disclosure: I received a sample item for review. Nevertheless, all opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ.
Samantha Levang is a contributor at This West Coast Mommy, specializing in cloth diaper and baby item reviews. She lives in Washington state with her husband, toddler son, Brooks, and new baby girl, Riley. Between diaper changes and loads of laundry, she enjoys landscape photography and the never-ending process of home decorating.
I ould really like to have the HEART INFINITY RING.
Hello all. I just wanted to let everyone know w ahve grown and expanded! The new web address is
http://www.amothersblessedkeepsakes.com
I visited Blessed Grove Keepsakes and something else from Monique’s shop that i’d be excited to order for a gift is the KEY CHAIN,i love them !
If I order it would be the infinity ring. It is so beautiful
I have never heard of this before. Having a what will they think of next moment. I will be sure to mention to friend who just had baby. Interesting idea.
I would love just a simple pearl pendant or the caged pearl. I also like the round ring setting.
i like the hammered copper/ sterling silver ring. what a wonderful idea!
I like the EUROPEAN BEADS
I love the SILVER/GOLD PLATED RINGS that they have!! I would do a memorial one for my father!
I like the Puffed Heart & Pearl Necklace
I like their first curl locket. So cool!
I love Pearl Pendants! They are so pretty.
The Caged Pearl looks lovely. I would love to have one for each of my kiddos 🙂
I like the Pearl Pendant.
There are so many neat objects! I like the infinity ring, the men’s items, breast milk jewelry
I really liked the infinity ring
Oh my goodness the caged pearls are so so pretty I would love one of them!
i really love the Lockets!
I absolutely love the ANTIQUE FINISH keychains!
I love the heart infinity ring
it would be the Infinity Ring I’d love for myself.
I never thought I would be interested in something like this, but after 2 years of breastfeeding my first child, I’m still not ready to stop even if I know it’s time for both of us and suddenly the whole keepsake concept just made sense. Oh, and it was SO difficult due to medical reason at the beginning that we really try hard to have it works the first 6 weeks.
Because I plan to have more children (and because I don’t wear jewellery other than rings),I would love the staking rings with breastmilk.
Another item I would really like to have is the Caged Pearl.
I like her infinity band!
I would love to receive the Heart Infinity Ring!
I would probably order the breastmilk keepsakes 🙂