My mom has Nia for the weekend, including tomorrow. I planned to stop by her house today to deliver a few toys and Nia’s toothbrush. So I told my mom I would nurse her for a few minutes before heading to work.
“Well how about you use these days that she’s away from you to go ahead and wean her,” said my wise mother.
OK, so I have mentioned to my entire family, a few friends, and a couple of co-workers that I’m planning to wean Nia because I need my life back! The child thinks she owns my boobies! But that was all talk. Do I really have the strength to permenantly remove my sweetie from her milk-milks (as my niece calls them)?
Granted, I only breastfeed now twice a day — in the morning before daycare and at night before bed. But these are some of the sweetest moments, times I feel an extra special bond with my daughter. So I’m struggling…she’s 15 months now, is it time to wean her?
It’s really up to you. Bebe is all but weaned, nursing once every couple of days for a few seconds. Do you think you can do it? I think no matter what age, but especially if you practice extended nursing, weaning is bittersweet.
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I agree with Dee it is up to you and your daughter.
My daughter nursed until she was three years old. The last year she mainly nursed for comfort. Occasionally she would nurse when she was having a hard time falling asleep. In fact I talked with her about ending the nursing time. I told her it was not comfortable anymore. At times her teeth would clamp down while she slept. Ouch!
I enjoyed that bond that we shared during those times but you’ll find that you can quickly pick something else to replace that.
For example, I’ve always read to my daughter before her bedtime since the nursing sessions have ended it seems to be an extra special time for both of us. I cuddle up with her in her bed, talk softly as we turn the pages together reading from one of her special books. She also reads stories to me.
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Dee & Opal,
thanks for the advice. after almost 3 days, i caved in and nursed her this morning. i just don’t think i’m ready…maybe when she’s 2
i’ll certainly make sure i’m not like this woman.
I miss this the most…the experience cannot be put into words…and to think when I started it hurt so much I just sat and cried.
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I’m late on this one - but trust your own heart. For me I knew it was time to wean when I could not stand the thought of sharing my body anymore. With my oldest the months of pregnancy followed by another 2 years of nursing was about all I could take. He was always much more comforted by nursing so it was difficult to wean- primarily the bedtime routine had to entirely go to my husband. With my second he had other methods of comforting so weaning at 1 year was no big deal at all. You’ll know when the time is right, listen to your own instincts.
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