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My baby is 17 months old, and I promised myself (and my husband and my teen) that I would begin weaning her when I returned from spring break in Florida.
My teen wants me to wean the baby because she finds the whole breastfeeding thing a little embarassing now that DB can walk. My husband wants me to wean her because “if not now, then when?” He keeps referring to some ridiculous story about a kid from Kentucky who was breastfeeding and smoking at the same time. Whatever! Then again . . . . well, I shouldn’t insult my husband’s Kentucky roots.
Only my 10-year-old son seems to understand why this is hard. It’s almost like he remembers how special that time was when he was a baby. I weaned him at 14 months and I know he doesn’t remember. I know it’s only his kind-heartedness and empathetic nature that makes him melancholoy about his baby sister being weaned. But it’s still nice to have someone on my team.
I tried to keep my promise. I cut out daytime feedings starting last Friday and was trying to nurse DB only in the morning and at bedtime. My plan was to do that for a week, then cut out the bedtime nursing and then the morning one. But yesterday, she had a bona fide “drop and flop” tantrum in the middle of the day. First, she gave the nursing sign. Then she fussed loudly. Then she cried and pointed to our green recliner where I usually nurse her. Then she combined all of the above, but added some screaming into the mix and real alligator tears. I offered her sippy cup. I offered to hold her while she drank from her sippy cup. When I tried to hold her, she just threw herself backward, trying to get into the “nursing position” in my arms. It was just too sad. I caved. Actually, I caved with my husband’s encouragement. He said, “Nurse her if it will give her some relief.”
So, I’m back to square one. I’m not sure how I’m going to accomplish this. I’m not the La Leche type. I love nursing my babies, and I’m sorry that season in my life is about to be over for the last time, but I’m not militant about it and I know it’s time. I mean, I don’t want her smoking and nursing at the same time.
Mistie said,
March 24, 2009 @ 10:32 pm
Oh, I can so sympathize. I absolutely loved nursing both my girls, and I cried the last time I breastfed them – each at 12 months. I still miss it
What about calling the lactation consultant in the hospital where you delivered for advice? I delivered at MoBap, and the consultants there were fantastic. I bet they’d be able to help.
newmomoldmom said,
March 25, 2009 @ 6:23 am
Good thought. I delivered at MoBap too, and I even had one of the lactation consultants visit me at home. She was amazing. I’m going to email her today.
DH said,
March 26, 2009 @ 4:40 am
I think I’ve been sniped. Or dissed. And my Kentucky relatives who read this may have a bone to pick with you on one certain looong weekend trip coming up in May.
newmomoldmom said,
March 26, 2009 @ 6:28 am
Oops.