Weening the Darling Cuddle Bug

When I started nursing Peanut, I don't think I ever had an exact time when I wanted to ween him.  I disliked people assuming I would start weening him after a year, because I have no problem with nursing a baby after 12 mos.  It was my decision and as long as Peanut and I were happy- we were gonna continue.  

On Friday I had somewhere to be around dinner time. I was running behind with the feeding and bathing of the boys, Hubbie hadn't gotten home yet and I still needed to get ready. Once Hubbie got home, I handed over the kids and Peanut seemed content, so I went ahead and left without nursing the baby. I figured that Hubbie could feed Peanut some cow's milk or Kefir and if he still needed some more, I could nurse him when I got home a few hours later. When I got home, Peanut had done fine and slept well the whole night.

On Saturday, I nursed Peanut like normal when he woke up. Usually, before his morning nap, he will nurse for a few minutes, but I decided to see if he would rest without nursing, because, again, I was running late and needed to pick something up at an exact time. He went to sleep fine and when he woke up we gave him some more cow's milk and fed him his regular lunch. That night, I did the same thing as I did on Friday. I didn't have anywhere to be, but I decided to see if he'd drink his cow's milk and kefir mixture instead of nursing. He did fine.  Slept fine.  No problems.  

After a day or so of cutting back from 3 to 1 feedings, I thought that if he was having issues, he'd let me know. He has seemed fine. We've done this for 4 days now. I have had very little pain. I think I'll hang on to the morning feeding for, at least, another month. Although, I am really looking forward to an evening/morning without any children. I can't wait for Hubbie to be able to take care of the kids while I sleep in...for the first time since....hmmmmm.....I guess sometime before December 19th, 2007.

After being unsuccessful at nursing Bubbie, I knew that with my next child, I would do everything that I could to have a positive nursing experience. Last April, when we found out that we were expecting Peanut, I did the research, took classes and talked to many successful nursing moms. I wanted so much information. I was determined to nurse my baby. It was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be- even after all that information. I had a few rough weeks, but once we crossed over those hurdles, we have been good to go. I know before the baby came, I just wanted to make it 6 months. After the first couple of rough nights, I was ready to be done. I stuck with it. Not sure why. I didn't want to give up after working so hard to do this. I didn't want to buy formula when I could nurse. I didn't want to disappoint those that believed in me. Once Peanut and I got some advice, tips and ideas from my mother, LaLeche League, friends and my SIL, each day was an accomplishment. I have a nursing ticker on my Cafe Mom page and each day I would think...Wow! Look! You've made it a month! I was so proud of myself for seeing that I was doing it and sticking with something that was so difficult for me. I remember thinking...if I can just make it to 6 mos.... just make it to 6 mos. Once 6 mos came closer I thought Wow! I don't need to ween Peanut. He's doing great. He was nursing quicker. We had a system and it was silly, for me, to quit when I wasn't going back to work or didn't have a good enough reason. I decided to stick with nursing until AT LEAST 1o.5 mos. I figured, by then, I could start introducing cow's milk and see if we could slowly ween from then.

In late summer, I started to dry up on one side. I was really nervous that my nursing days were over. I was kinda worried because Peanut has never liked formula and I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Thankfully I got some advice from Kristin and was able to get my milk built back up. After that I was even more determined to make it to the 10.5 month mark.

Since I had never ween a baby before, I wasn't really sure what the best way to do it was. I think that is the best part about the last few days. It just kinda happened. I could have nursed him at any of those times that I didn't. It wouldn't have been a huge deal. My children are my first priority and if Peanut needed me, I would have done what he needed. The fact that he has gone with the flow is kinda shocking and amazing.  I kinda assumed we'd be nursing through Christmas, at least...

Peanut has definitely increased the amount of table food that he is eating since we've cut a few feedings. He is eating everything within reach. He has finally started taking some juice and water. Before this weekend, he has really rejected the mixture. Now he is finishing 4 oz in one seating. He is also drinking out of a straw really well. Something I am really shocked about. How does babies know how to use a straw? I remember trying to teach Bubbie, with a milk shake, how to use a straw. Just kinda funny.

So, all in all, I am very proud of Peanut and myself sticking to it. I am thankful for my friends and family for their support, love, encouragement and most of all, their prayers during the most difficult and discouraging nursing days. Peanut and I have come a long way with nursing.

I don't know how much longer we'll continue with the last feeding. Like I said earlier, I will more than likely keep it until he's 1st birthday, which is only 30 days away, but we will see.  

I have exceeded my expectations and met all my goals! I am so happy that I have been able to do this. I didn't always enjoy it. I didn't always want to do it, but I am so very thankful.