Stinx stopped nursing almost 2 weeks ago when I wrote this post. I had no idea the end would be that close. I also had no idea how easy weaning would be. Most of the weaning experiences I have heard from friends sound really difficult or bittersweet (Especially the younger the baby). I really dreaded the idea of weaning. I expected lots of tears from him and myself. But not a tear was shed from either of us.
Once I was pregnant my body felt like it was telling me it was time. Not in the painful sense. I was almost counting on that. I was hoping the pain I have heard about while nursing during pregnancy would show up just so I would have more incentive to wean. It never really came. Instead my body felt like it was telling me it was time. As well, the fact that I lose weight during the first trimester gave me reason.
I didn't want to wean him instantly, I wanted it to be a gradual process. I didn't want it to be me weaning him, I wanted him to self-wean as well. I never got to point where I resented our breastfeeding relationship - I think it really was just the perfect time for both Stinx and I.
It took 3 months of using the "Don't offer, Don't refuse" approach, as well as shortened nursings with the abc song. It worked perfectly for us. Stinx never put up a fuss about the shortened nursings. He just slowly stopped asking. Maybe this is because of the pregnancy - lack of milk? change in taste? I'm not sure. I like to think it was just the right time for him.
For myself, I don't feel bittersweet. It just feels sweet. I enjoyed the deep connection we had during breastfeeding. From the moment I first nursed Stinx in the hospital it was something I loved. It was beautiful. Sometimes I think it's the one thing I have managed to do well at in motherhood. I've fallen short in so many other parts of parenting but breastfeeding, I did ok.
So it just feels good. We nursed for 28 lovely months and it ended as lovely as it began.
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3 comments:
I think it's so great that it went that way! I think weaning Judith was bittersweet for me because I really wanted to nurse until she was at least 2, but at the same time there were no tears because the timing did seem right, and she initiated it...
I also think that you are such an awesome mama! In way more ways than just breastfeeding. =)
Aww that is such a sweet weaning, I love to read tales like this, it gives me hope :)
This post made me cry.
You have grown so much as a mother and a person in the last two years. Isn't it amazing how one tiny person can give you such perspective?
You have done everything right, you are the best mom ever.
Congrats to you. <3
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