Hi All, I have posted a few times and you all have been such a support. My daughter is 10 months old, and I am feeling very, very run down and would like to wean. I emotionally wish to continue but I feel physically beat. Right now I have mastitis for the 4th time and it hurts so much. I think part of the reason I have had so many bouts is that I am just not getting sleep. My daughter was never a great sleeper but as she got older it got worse and worse, and now we're at the every hour stage for night nursings. We co-sleep but My back hurts, I'm uncomfortable, and always tired. If her father tries to help her she screams for me which makes me feel horrible and sad and then I take her back. I thought the all night nursings were reverse cycling due to my working, but right now I'm on winter break (I'm a teacher) and she's getting as much as she wants during the day and still not sleeping any better.
I would like to wean because I just feel so run down and I feel if I don't do something it will just get worse.
At the same time, I feel so stuck because she completely refuses formula (I tried it and don't blame her - it doesn't taste good). Could I wean her without her going on formula if she's under a year? She doesn't like cow's milk either- I gave her the first taste this week just to see. Also, she's had bouts of minor constipation and I hate the thought of her getting worse without the breast milk. But I really, really need to sleep now. I feel my health spiraling downhill.
I love her so much, and loved components of the nursing. I feel like if I'm going to do something this is a good opportunity since I'm on break and have time to devote.
I'm scared it will psychologically damage her also. Last night we tried having my husband help her, rocking her, bouncing her, and after 5 min of screaming for me, I nursed her. The rest of the night she would once in a while make a crying sound in her sleep - it was so sad. And then today she was extra cuddly/clingy.
What do you think I can do? Is there any way to wean her now while still preserving our attachment and also keeping her healthy?
Thanks so much for your thoughts,
W