Didn't I just post about him being 16 months. Ack. It's going even faster with every month, with every new word, new skill...
And now I'm considering weaning. My heart breaks at the mere thought of it, I want to keep going for awhile longer for selfish reasons. Dalton could very well be my last baby so part of me wants to hang on to that bond, that ritual, for just a little longer.
I don't know how you know when to stop. I'm fine with "extended breastfeeding", but there comes a point when I'm no longer fine with it...not sure what that point is, of course, but I know for me (not judging others' choices here) it is probably sometime before he turns two.
I weaned Easton just before he turned 18 months. BUT I was also pregnant with Dalton at the time. Being high-risk as I was, getting pregnant kind of made the decision of "when to wean" for me. I don't look at Easton now and think, "I wish we were still nursing" HECK NO! I don't even wish we could've gone longer. So I know I'll get there with Dalton, but without the excuse of being pregnant or anything, it's hard to come up with another reason to stop.
Except...
Jason and I are going away for a few days KID FREE this month. We won't see the boys for 4 whole days...that is at least 16 nursing sessions for D. I'll be bringing my breast pump, and pumping just in case I decide to resume...yet part of me thinks that our trip is when I'll wean my baby boy. But then part of me thinks again and wonders if I might go till 18 months...so I can say he nursed longer than Easton, so I can hold on to his last bit of "babyhood" for just a bit longer...and also so I can talk to his doctor about it and his weight gain at his 18 month well-child.
What to do? What to do?
And I'm seriously asking for advice here...you know the good ol' comments section below? Feel free to leave one with any thoughts you might have.
This is hard.
Counting today, I have been either nursing or pregnant for 4 years, 1 month, and 19 days...that is 1,510 days. Having another being depending on my body for nourishment and growth is such a way of life for me now that the thought of simply stopping, with no one growing in my belly or from my milk is quite foreign. I won't know what to do with myself.
Probably have to cut back on the calories, that's for sure.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
17 Months Old Today
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6 comments:
I don't have any good advice on the issue, but I wanted to give you my support either way. I know how much you love bf'ing your little boy. It is something I treasure as well.
I'm super proud of you for doing it as long as you have!
I think you just have to follow your instincts, don't make any decisions, just see what happens and go with the flow (hmmm...how many cliches is that...)
It could be that D will wean himself after you get back from vacation? He might be the one to make the decision?
17 months? It sure does fly by.
As far as weening, that is so hard. Micah is almost 20 months and I have not weened. I guess I keep thinking he will ween himself by the time Kaiya gets here.
I think it is really up to you. But I know your concern regarding his weight. I think I am with Julie and maybe after your vacation, he will ween himself. But you are the mother and you need to do what YOU feel is right. You have certainly nursed longer than alot of people.
Speaking of vacations, where are you going or can you not say? I could sure use a vacation. I hope you enjoy your time away and I am sure that Dalton will do just fine.
I have NO idea what you should do. Listen to yourself. Listen to D. And then do what comes naturally for you both.
Usually when I have a dilemma like this, I already have an idea in the back of my mind, I just want someone else to suggest it do me, if I listen hard enough, I can figure out what I really want.
Good luck. I say go with your heart.
Have a great trip! Love, Cori
If you do want to wean, this is a good window for it to happen.
If you don't want to wean or aren't sure, then I'd probably pump while I was gone and then see what happens when I got back.
I left Eva for a few days at that age and she picked right back up when I came back.
In my case, I knew for SURE when I felt done. I hit the wall at 2.5 years with both kids, I guess that was my I-can't-take-it-any-more time.
Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be the right choice for you and your family!
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