I'm weaning my baby boy. At 15 months old. I'm doing it gradually... right now I'm down to about 3 feedings daytime and one at night. Honestly, that's weaning.
I've always had the intention to nurse at least until age two. Loli's nursing ended at 8 months when I dried up due to stress. Jaw's lasted 'till about 14 months or so, when a new pregnancy took care of it. I wanted to "tandem nurse," but was easily convinced by the midwife that I should just let it go, she could eat solids now and the new baby needed nutrients, and so did I.
This time it's because of new additions, too. Our two girls, coming home approx. Middle/end of June or early July. (Don't you love how specific that is!!) Skywalker and I will be leaving the kiddoes for a weak with my mother in law while we fly over to Africa to pick up our Ethiopian daughters. And I don't think it would be fair to make said Mother-in-Law deal with the weaning process. So I'm gradually weaning him right now.
It's kind of heartbreaking. Baby Squirt is much more clingy than my other two kids were. To be honest, I love it. I love having a cuddly little thing who wants to nestle up against me and be held all day, with perhaps two hours of playtime as a break. I love a baby boy who needs mom still. He's a tiny little thing; still within normal parameters but skinny, wiry, and on the short side, with a huge, mischevious grin and a propensity to give startlingly random kisses. He's soft spoken and silly and sweet, except when he's hysterical... about two times a day, lately.
There are people who have told me, "isn't he a little old for that?"
No. No, he's not.
I'm going to try to focus on the positive... enjoy the sessions remaining. Doing this electively is different than having the biological choice removed from me. It's only through sheer will power, and thinking about my poor mother-in-law, honestly.
Next time. We'll make it past two years, next time.
6 comments:
I always thought one year was enough, but then my 2nd daughter didn't. And I LOVED nursing her past the one year mark, then the 18 month mark. I almost made it two years. (We got to 21 months). I loved it! I had many family members think she was too old, but when they'd make remarks, it almost gave me a sense of pride that I was still nursing my baby. I'm sorry that you have to cut your time short, but he'll still need you and love that wonderful cuddling time he has with you, even if he isn't nursing.
"...will be leaving the kiddoes for a weak with my mother in law..."
I like the spelling slip :)
LOL Janelle. I caught that, too.
Well, best of luck as you anticipate the increased activity in your house. I'm really excited for you as the time approaches.
First of all, I love your description of lil Squirt. It's obvious he's your little darling and you love him so much.
I am trying to get on the road to weaning, too. It's way tough! We've gotten it down to 3-4 times in a 24 hour period, but jr is such a picky eater that it's so much more reassuring when I know he's getting what he needs nutrient-wise from nursing.
When he was sick he completely refused to nurse for about a day. I panicked-- it was only then that I realized that I needed him to nurse as much HE needed it! The thought of suddenly stopping cold turkey made me ache to cuddle with him. I never knew it could be so emotional!!
But there's also a part of me that wants to be free... know what I mean? It's a tough decision.
I wasn't able to nurse my 2 boys, so I don't know what it must be like for you, but I definitely think you are fine to keep nursing him. I loved your descriptions and your writing is amazing. You are so talented.
right there with you.
My youngest just turned 2, and he is in no way ready to give it up. Derek says it's fine, but people keep asking me the same question "isnt he a little old"? It really bothers me....I want to tell them to just mind their own flock. lol...
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