Elisabeth is weaned.
A few weeks ago, nursing just before bedtime and sometimes naps, Elisabeth made it clear she thought it was more fun to latch on for two seconds, laugh and then bite! She was clearly becoming less and less interested in breastfeeding, only really nursing every third night or so.
I had enough. I just stopped offering, instead choosing to sit down with her on my lap and reading a book before laying her down in her crib. I expected tears, fighting and resistance. Instead she compliantly stuck her fingers in her mouth, grabbed her precious fuzzy purple blanket and went to sleep. Since that time she's not made any indication that she misses nursing.
I feel so free. I can leave at bedtime once again! No more pumping! No more leaking! The benefits are numerous.
So why do I feel so sad?
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Weaned
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6 comments:
I am happy for you! You parted with it much better than I did. I had such a hard time accepting the fact that it was time and that she was ready. I didn't think I was ready. But after one week, I knew I had done the right thing. That week was much harder on me than her. Actually, I don't even think it phased her. Anyway, I also wanted to say GREAT JOB, Cait!! I am really proud of you! There's nothing like nursing and I think very highly of mommies like you (and me, hehe) who do it, especially for as long as we did. Congrats! Now go enjoy that freedom!!
Now that excerpt from "Braveheart" that is played daily on the Charlie Sykes Show has even more meaning for you!
I remember this so well. Thought I couldn't wait for my daugher to wean--until she did. I felt sad too. Sad for the missed intimacy. Sad for the special time together when the outside world stops... Sad.
It took a while to get to the happy part, but you will. But do try to find other ways to replace the intimacy for just the two of you.
I know this is going to sound weird coming from a man, but I think I understand the sadness.
Being able to give life sustaining nourishment to a tiny helpless child had got to be an amazingly wonderful experience. I think that this is why kids generally run to mom (instead of Dad) when they are hurt or sad. When Madeleine (our first for those not so up on the Superfamily) was born I was terribly jealous that Supermom got to have such a special thing all to herself.
Now that it is over I think it makes sense that there is a little sadness, but cheer up Supermom! M & H still run to you first and still love you to pieces even though their nourishment comes on a plate – E will too!
Besides we could always have another ;-)
I understand completely. Even though my kids were all, like, 12 years old when they weaned (do I exaggerate?), I was always a little sad. Except that I was also really happy.
C'mon. Jump on my bandwagon, lose all freedom completely, and have a fourth to look forward to!
It's bittersweet, isn't it?!?
I was right in your shoes two years ago, happy to FINALLY have more freedom, but sad that we didn't have those precious moments together anymore.
You find other ways to spend that precious time together and look forward to the next phase of life.
Good for you for giving her the best!
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