This week’s Breastfeeding Blog Hop topic is weaning. Unless you put the word “self” in front of it, it’s a four letter word, in my opinion.
You know the whole “I cloth because I’m cheap and I breastfeed because I’m lazy?” Ha!
Anyone who has ever struggled to breastfeed or continued to nurse a gymnast of a toddler knows Breastfeeding is not for the lazy!
Given our immense supply issues in the beginning, I greatly value my ability to still nourish my child.
Bug turned sixteen months old a few days ago. She nurses upon awakening in the morning, in order to fall asleep for naps and bedtime and whenever she needs comforting.
Originally, Ash and I agreed on breastfeeding for a year. While I’m all for self-weaning, regardless of age, she’s not as comfortable with it as I am. However, we both realize and respect our daughter’s attachment and don’t want to traumatize her.
So, we’ve come up with some ideas for everyone’s well-being.
1.) We’re operate on a “don’t ask, don’t deny” theory.
2.) We are letting Bug wean when she’s ready.
3.) We make every attempt to prevent nursing in public. If she asks, we’ll try to refocus her, but if that doesn’t work, we don’t deny her.
4.) If she’s hurt or upset, I offer. Period.
5.) Personally, I don’t get offended or upset when someone comments about it being “time to wean”. I get it. She’s sixteen months and we’re entering the you’re STILL doing that??? zone.
Here’s the thing. The benefits are numerous and well, beneficial. And the detriments?
Well, you tell me!
Exactly why, in your opinion, is it time to wean? What are your thoughts on the matter?
I've never heard the "
I cloth because I’m cheap and I breastfeed because I’m lazy?" thing, but then I'm the only one that I know that cloth diapers or considered breastfeeding. I wished I could have breastfed, because I pumped and weaned because it was too much work and too painful. I pumped for all three of my girls and each of the older ones got milk from my pumping when the next baby came along, but I say good for you for continuing to breastfeed.
I think it is ultimately up to the mother and child. I'm currently nursing my 5 month old and even though I have supply issues and have to supplement with formula, I will continue to do it as long as he wants to. I love that time with him and its worth it to me to go through the hell of pumping every 2 hours to keep my supply. Regardless of how much he is getting, I know some is better than none!
Yes, I agree with everyone else. It is between you and your child. The end.
I would agree with the others that only you and your child know when the time is right to end the breastfeeding relationship. It's not really anyone else's business anyway.
Good for you to not let the comments bug you. They drive me nuts, especially the what will you do when the baby is here, they are going to fight over your boob! My only answer is that I will do what is best for my daughter, the baby and I. Every family is different and every child is different.
I think it's time to wean when it feels right to you and your baby. Period. I hate people's judgmental "when are you going to wean" questions.
I nursed Bird for almost 27 months. it was perfect for us.
I nursed Kevin for 18 months, Joey for 21 months, the twins for 18 months, Lilah for 15 months, and Finn for 33 months
I would say they all self-weaned, though a couple of them may have had a little nudging from me because I was pregnant with the next one. I think every family has to do what works for them. I'd love to see every baby nursed for at least a year, so I think it's wonderful that you're still going strong at this point. Sounds like you're approaching weaning just fine.