Could she possibly be ready to wean? We missed the morning feeding this morning, and I didn't even realize it (nor did she) until I sat down to rock her and nurse her at naptime.
When she woke up this morning, she was immediately ready to go and get some juice from the kitchen. And then it was time to eat breakfast, and then we went grocery shopping. She was so busy that I think she forgot about it, much like I did. She was not fussy at all, and she never even asked for it by pulling on my shirt or anything.
The first time she missed a morning feeding was our last morning at the beach. We woke up, put our bathing suits on and then went down to the beach without any breakfast. We ate breakfast after we picked up seashells on the beach, and it didn't seem to phase her then either that she had missed a nursing. And, that same day, she wasn't even interested in nursing at her naptime feeding. There was just too much going on.
And then I tried to skip another feeding on Monday, June 16th, but she reminded me at 11:30 a.m. that she had not eaten as she kept pulling on my shirt saying "Peas, Peas, Peas." I tried to persuade her otherwise, but I didn't have the heart to deny her that feeding.
So, I look at pictures of Annabelle with me holding her and I think, am I seriously still nursing this child? She's huge! Maybe I only think that because I read an article in a baby magazine where another mother with a child around 2 years of age felt that way.
I had originally planned to nurse her until she was 2 years old, but no longer (or only enough longer to start weaning her at 2 years of age), but it seems that she may wean herself before then. That is good though. That is really what I wanted. I really would rather that she wean herself to save us both the heartache.
Of course, I don't think it is going to cause me any heartache (unless she has a hard time with it) because I am really ready to stop nursing her. I'd like to be able to get away for just a night or a weekend. I have not yet spent a night away from her.
So, if you are not a mother yet or if you are a new mother who is not nursing or even if you are a new mother who is nursing, you are probably thinking, "Eeeww! That's gross!" I've been there! I thought the same thing too! But, unless you are in the same situation, you'll never understand. Your feelings towards motherhood in general will change completely as you go through the stages preparing for motherhood as well as through the stages of motherhood. Motherhood is a completely new and life altering experience. It is not something anyone can explain...you have to experience it for yourself. And every mother has a different experience too. Some mothers cannot nurse for one reason or another, so most likely, these mothers will never understand why anyone would nurse their child until 2 years of age. Other mothers only nurse for 6 weeks to 3 months (at the most), so they probably feel the same way as the non-nursing mothers towards nursing until 2 years of age. And then, the mothers that nurse longer (9 months or more) see nursing in a whole new light (well, some do).
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing until 2 years of age. In my eyes, it is the best thing for your child if you are able to do so. And, fortunately, my pediatrician actually agreed and recommended nursing as long as possible. Children are supposed to drink whole milk until they are 2 years of age, so is it not better to provide your child with the best source of nutrition through breast milk?
Okay, so I'm done with my soap box. I hope that all mothers follow their heart though. You have to do what you feel is right and what works best for you as a mother and also what works best for your family.
So, all that being said, please say some prayers that Annabelle will wean herself when the time is right. And, in the mean time, please pray that she'll start drinking cow's milk! She will not drink cow's milk, except for a little bit with her cereal in the cereal bowl in the morning.
2 years ago
4 comments:
You are very fortunate to be able to provide Annabelle with the best that nature has to offer and only you alone know what is best for your baby. Don't let anybody tell you (besides your doctor) what you should or shouldn't be doing with your baby. I have begun noticing that the people who give me such unsolicited advice usually fall into one of two categories: 1) They themselves are childless and, for some reason, feel that they know more about child rearing than I do.... or 2) their children are either annoying or unhealthy to the point that I seriously don't want their mother's advice on how to make my own child just as annoying or unhealthy as theirs. Follow your gut! If it feels right for your child, it most likely is.
As for me, I was one of the unfortunate ones and physically unable to nurse my daughter. I tried and I tried....boy did I try! It just didn't work. Thank God for formula too! I honestly believe, though, that if I had been able to nurse, I would be walking down the same path that you are currently on. :-)
One thing you always have to keep in mind...Annabelle has been a very healthy child once she finally got into this world safely and you got her home. You can not ask for more. I am convinced it was all because you were able to nurse her and because you chose to continue to nurse her. She's had a heads up for these past twenty months. I hope this has given her lots of immunity from future illnesses. She's a good, healthy eater and a very happy little girl. You've done all the right things so far. She'll decide when she's ready to give it up. You haven't made her feel like she "has" to give up nursing and maybe that's good. Sometimes they need to make decisions on their own. It takes a lot of determination to give up those days of your life, but you were unselfish and did it. She's got a great Mommy and she and I both know it!
I'm starting to lead Christopher towards weaning. I'm DONE and I'm TIRED. Don't worry about cows milk - she can get everything she needs in other forms. They've got gummi bears for everything ;) Annabelle will let you know. I've just got a boob addict. I'm hoping to find the money in the budget for preschool this fall so I can get a little break plus C is ready for some structured time. He's so like his daddy.
I think you have given her an amazing and unselfish gift. People don't realize how hard breastfeeding is...especially to stick with it. Although she may never tell you thank you, you should be proud of yourself! I'm just praying I can stick with it for 6 months!!-Sarah
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