The Decision to Wean
I’m in the process of weaning my son, and it’s not an easy thing, both physically and emotionally. I’ll be attending the Romance Writers of America national conference in three weeks, and since the baby will be at Grandma’s for an entire week without me, I don’t really have a choice. He’s nearly 8 months old, so I think it’s time.
But oh, it’s hard. Definitely harder on me than it is on him. Personally, I don’t think he’ll care much–as long as he has his bottle and snuggle time, he’s good. Really, what it comes down to, is losing that last physical connection with your baby. You spend nine months growing them, and then when you nurse them, it’s an extension of that. They’re still a part of you. Whenever my baby has been crying, is inconsolable, and all seems lost, I could simply nurse him, and all was well again. It was my no-fail cure-all for fussiness.
Weaning them means cutting those ties, and I’ll admit that this past weekend, I was a complete wuss. I used formula when I could, but if he honestly was upset, I nursed him. I’m taking my time with this process, slowly giving up the feedings. The last one is always the hardest.
In the meantime, I’m hoping that things won’t be too bad on the physical side. Last time, I used cabbage leaves to offset the pain, and it really did help–kind of like ice packs. 
Maybe if I go slowly enough, I won’t run into that? I’m hoping.
Why do I feel like, if I blink, he’ll be going off to college? 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 8:47 am | Viewed 1286 times
Jamie Says:
Michelle, what a beautiful picture of James! I wish you luck on the weaning process. It is an emotional time for your both. I don’t have any first-hand experience with nursing, but I can really feel your emotional tie to your son in the words that you’ve written so eloquently about him and yourself. Good luck! Jamie
Amy Says:
Why do I feel like, if I blink, he’ll be going off to college?
Um, because that’s what it feels like. I can’t believe my son is starting high school. :confused54: but I wouldn’t trade one moment with him to turn back the clock. This is just so exciting, you know?
The thing I remember about when my boys self-weaned? The shock to my boobs. One day they nursed, next they didn’t. Actually, I think they both nursed in the morning, and then didn’t want their lunchtime feeding. Not went back and forth, but were just simply DONE. My glands were still in production mode HIGH and weren’t prepared for the change. Ay-yi-yi. Ouch.
Take it slow. Ease into the transition. Your boobs will thank you.
BTW, your baby? Gorgeous!
Michelle Willingham Says:
Thanks, Jamie and Amy.
Amy, with my firstborn, he weaned himself when he started foods. Like you said, he just wasn’t interested in nursing, and I lost my milk without really intending to.
It was still more emotionally traumatic to me. I don’t think the kids really cared. :whistle:
Rene Says:
Good luck with the weaning. I weaned mine at 13 mos, 14 mos and, sigh, 22 mos.
My first two were easy. My son realized he couldn’t nurse and watch “Blues Clues” at the same time. That stupid little puppy won. I was relieved. My daughter decided to bite at 14 mos. That was enough for me. The tough one was my youngest. She had food allergies so I kept her on longer. At 22 mos. she decided to increase her need to nurse. I decided that was it. She didn’t like that at all. Everytime I held her, she’d trying pulling up my shirt. She kept that up until after she was two.
I have to say, by the time I weaned my kids, I had no emotional attachment to nursing. That bond had worn itself out. I felt nothing but relief.
Veronica Says:
I weaned my daughter at 19 months and it was heartbreaking for me. Her? Well she had days when she cried for ‘boobies!’ (I told her they were empty) but she was mostly okay.
Although she still needs to put her hand down my top when she is sick or upset (she is 22mths) and occasionally she will try and suckle again. (She does 2 sucks, goes ‘ahhhhh’ in a satisfied way, pulls my tops back down and tells me ‘all done!’).
Michelle Says:
Rene–I don’t blame you. I’m amazed that you were able to do it that long! :worthy: 10 months is the longest I’ve ever lasted. Mainly it was because the older child was getting denied bedtime stories, etc.
Veronica–that’s too cute!