Abbie is a year old next month and weaning her is something I have been thinking about a lot lately. I am not sure if I should start the process or venture into the "extended nursing" world. I have been hearing from a few sources about the benefits of continued nursing and I have mixed feelings about the idea so I am looking for any input you experienced nursing moms might have for me.
If I decide to continue nursing I think I would only want to do it right before bed and first thing in the morning. During the day and for her meals we will start with whole milk and other fluids. Abbie still has NO teeth and she only nurses for a few minutes total so it really isn't a big deal or inconvenience for me. I am only considering doing this for a few more months...I am not the type that feels comfortable nursing when the child knows exactly how it all works and can ask for it.
On the flip side, once Scott is done with his internship it would be so nice to take a weekend trip somewhere or even stay at a hotel here in Vegas overnight. Do I sacrifice the benefits of nursing for a mini vacation? Do I take the pump with me? Do I supplement with real milk for those few feedings and hope she still wants to nurse when I get back?
I can't believe I have almost made it to the year mark. I nursed Caden for three weeks before throwing in towel, but there were a few complications with that experience. I have enjoyed this time with Abbie and I think I am a little sad she is growing up so fast and becoming fiercely indepednent. I guess I am hoping that if I nurse her a little longer, she will still want and need me. Silly, I know.
You all offered great advice when she was being a picky eater and I am hoping you can share your wisdom once again.
9 comments:
I have heard that usually when you stop for just a couple of days, they will go right back to nursing (especially with her being as old as she is). I would want the benefit of a mini vacation and her being able to use a sippy cup or bottle when you have to go somewhere, and then nurse her when you can the other times. Maybe she will be the slow adjustment herself and it won't be a big deal. Good job with the nursing that long. I only nursed my first 2 until 7 months and 4 teeth made me stop and this last was just so little and tired she never really caught on, so it was pumping for 3 months and I couldn't keep up. Im jealous you made it this far. Good luck!!!!
I would be done. I know it is hard because she is your baby and the closeness is great, but so is the freedom!!!! Some women I know who have continued past a year had a really hard time getting them to stop after that.
Ellyse weaned herself at 9 months and I weaned Lily at 14 months. I really enjoyed nursing her that long and it wasn't very hard to stop. I just felt at a year I wasn't quite ready to be done. I bet it wouldn't be to hard to pump for that quick little get away.(that is if you decide to continue)
I quit with Avery a little after her first birthday and I would have nursed a few more months if it weren't for some other circumstances. By the time I quit though, she was only nursing in the morning and at night before bed. If I missed a couple nights here or there, she did just fine and still wanted to nurse. You could definitely keep nursing and take a quick trip. And since you are nursing so little, you aren't going to feel tied down or inconvenienced AT ALL!!! Keep doing it. I am sad I had to quit a couple months earlier than I wanted.
I quit nursing Ryder at a year old during the day and gave him whole milk. I nursed him at night for two more months, mostly to comfort him. I'm so proud that you have made it a year. It definitely can be a struggle,I wanted to wear a regular bra again and have my body back. I know I'm selfish.
My Caden nursed until he was 16 months old - mainly because he had a slight reaction to cows milk and it took a while to get him on soy milk. I think I mainly nursed him in the morning and at night, like you mentioned doing. There's no harm in it and I'm sure there are some benefits as well. Caden was finally completely weaned when Ken and I headed out of town for a weekend. It wasn't traumatic for him because he was used to getting the soy milk by then. I never nursed him after that. I think it's a good way to go.
Tara,
You are a wonderful mom. Do what your heart tells you. : )
I thought weaning P at 13 months was too early, but it turned out to be perfect! I wish I could be doing the same with Stella.
It is a sad time but it makes room for the next stages in both of your lives.
Every kid is different. The longest I weaned any of my kids was with my first and it was for a year and a half. Once I had my fourth I weaned her right before she turned one. I would just go with whatever works for the both of you...if you do decide to wean, just do it gradual like you said...cut down how often you are nursing, then it won't big a big deal when you do stop. I can't believe she is a year...what the heck!?
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