Self weaning?

[Love, laughter, & PJs]

So my plan has always been to let Austin wean whenever he's ready.  But I'm afraid he's doing it now and I'm not ready!    When I got pg I knew that he would probably stop nursing in a few months but I figured we had that long to go. 

But these days he just doesn't stay on for long at all.  It's been slowly decreasing to the point where this morning I think he nursed for a total of about 2 or 3 minutes!  Same thing before bed last night.  This is just how self weaning goes, huh?  I figure I just need to follow him and let him do what he wants to do, right?  That's basically what I've been doing when he jumps down and walks away - I offer the breast again but then just give up.

I'm just sad about this.  My baby is growing up so fast!  Since I'm working so much now I really savor our BFing relationship and I don't want it to end.  But I know it's not up to me.  Just a tough transition I guess.     (And I don't think pg hormones help!)

Anyone BTDT?  Might he have a renewed interest in a couple of weeks or is this probably it?

[JayLeigh]

Kate I know exactly how you feel, I always talked about weaning like it was no big deal, but it was such a special time the thought of it started to break my heart. The last time I BF, he pulled off himself before I had even let down, and he said "all done".  It was very difficult for me and I was not pregnant. If you wouldv'e asked me before I had him, I would have never realized the special bond that it brings.

so (((((((((hugs))))))))))) and you will find new special ways to bond with him.  I still give DS a bottle before bed, while I rock him, and he plays with his toes and my hair, and it is all ok.

[Love, laughter, & PJs]

Thanks, Shaunna.   I'm hoping this isn't it for us, but I know it might be.  Thanks for reminding me that we'll find other ways to bond.  It's just so hard to imagine since I've been BFing him his whole life!

[deckchariot]

Abby weaned herself when she was 14 mos - and I wasn't ready either.  Mother's Day was the last time she nursed   It is really hard, and I'm sure the pg hormones don't help.  But you've given him such a tremendous gift - 14 mos of bfing is awesome!!!!  He will enjoy the benefits of that his whole life.  And you'll find new and different ways to bond as he grows.  It's hard, and it's ok to be sad.  We understand.

[shivi]

big hugs Karen

Both of mine started weaning around 13 mths but we kept the pm feed going successfully till 16 with Oscar and till 17-ish with Emma. Then, as she had been a proficient DFer from the breast anyway, I kept going with a kind-of-DF with her till 18 mths exactly as I really wanted to get to this mark with my "last" baby. Oscar would NEVER have been successful with such a DF EVER so its not for every baby/toddler.

Gentle hugs as when they self-wean before you are ready it is so so tough.

You'll get to do it all over again soon xxx

Take care

Siobhain x

[Love, laughter, & PJs]

Thanks, girls.  Just thinking about this makes me tear up.   But tonight he nursed for about 6 min so maybe he'll stick with it for a bit.  At least I know I need to start adjusting to the idea that we could be done soon.