Decided to stop weaning - feel SO relieved!

[@llli*nolamomma]

I've been actively weaning dd over the past 3 or 4 months, due in part to the pregnancy (BIG increase in pain, BIG decrease in milk) and another part in planning for my being away at the hospital. I wanted to get dd used to being able to go to sleep w/o me, so that if I end up being gone for 3 days, she'll have an easier time.

About three weeks ago, we got down to two nursings per day - one first thing in the morning and one at bedtime. We dropped her midday nap feeding, which proves that she can go to sleep without it.

Well, a few days ago I dropped the first morning feeding and it was really hard on her, which made it really hard on me. Dh and I had a long talk this evening and he encouraged me to keep up the morning and night feedings for as long as we both want, throughout the pregnancy, while nursing the new baby and as long as it makes her happy.

I wish I could describe the sense of relief that came over me. He has never encouraged me to wean her...just kind of goes along with whatever I decide to do as far as nursing goes, I guess I just felt like he wanted me to..?.. Anyway, his support was the nudge I needed.

Now that we are down to two nursings a day, the pain is gone. I'm thinking there's enough milk for those two feedings, so she's not sucking as hard....

So, I am celebrating my extended breastfeeding being extended yet again.

Sorry so long...just had to share with those of you who could appreciate.

[@llli*moose]

I am so happy to hear this. My dh actually wants me to wean dd before the baby gets here, but I plan to continue, and he said he will support us even though he wants something else. I have to applaud his ability to compromise in this matter! I am so happy you found a balance...that is how the "nursing dance" is supposed to be. We have definitely cut back, so that now there is milk when she wants it. I am looking forward to getting beyond the pain, no doubt about it!

[Chris H.]

Same here. DH assumed dd would be weaned before the next dd shows up in June. Deal is though, dd doesn't want to wean now. Hubby has always been very supportive, in fact, if it weren't for him in the beginning I don't know where we would be now. Glad to hear you've got support as well

[@llli*nolamomma]

Thank you! The support from all you *strangers* here has been a big, big help. Lord knows that NO ONE in my community supports or understands bf and especially extended bf...I am the freak show who is STILL bf! WHILE pregnant!!

Congrats to you as well. I attribute the pain relief to the decreased nursings, but who knows....maybe yours will just go away soon, too.

[@llli*all.night.dq]

Congrats on your decision. I just wanted to say I love the name Norah.

Laura

[@llli*aidens.mommy]

That is great news. I have been trying to get pregnant and read up daily on what everyone says that is preggers and BF'ing. I was sad for you that you were going to wean...I could tell you were fighting the feeling to do so. Good for you!

PS, love the picture of the 2 of you....sooooooo cute!

[@llli*nolamomma]

Congrats on your decision. I just wanted to say I love the name Norah.

Laura

Thanks....it jumped out at me from a baby name book...just like Kate did last time. It's funny, b/c I didn't even notice the name Norah when I was searching for Kate's name.

That is great news. I have been trying to get pregnant and read up daily on what everyone says that is preggers and BF'ing. I was sad for you that you were going to wean...I could tell you were fighting the feeling to do so. Good for you!

PS, love the picture of the 2 of you....sooooooo cute!

Thanks...and thanks. I definitely know now that it was the right decision. It feels right, it feels good.

[Mia'sMom]

I wish I could describe the sense of relief that came over me. He has never encouraged me to wean her...just kind of goes along with whatever I decide to do as far as nursing goes, I guess I just felt like he wanted me to..?.. Anyway, his support was the nudge I needed.

Although I am not pg, I totally know what you are talking about when you say the relief came over you. My mom and dh have encouraged weaning at a year and when my Mom said she thought it was fine to continue on through the summer, I just felt a huge weight lifted off of me. We recently night weaned and some natural day weaning followed. We are down to 3 or 4 times in 24 hours and I don't think it's going to slow from there for a while. I do think dh is seeing that and is understanding, she is still just a baby. I am happy for you!

[@llli*moose]

Well, Sue, I'm glad your mother is going to be supportive! I wanted to offer a sneaky little piece of what I did...Haylee turned 12 months in December, the start of the cold and flu season...and I said I thought it best if she continued to nurse through that. Now, I plan to say something about how hard it will be to wean her right before the baby, and of course don't want her getting sick and putting the baby at risk, and then it will be another cold and flu season . Sneaky, but it gets me around all the "Why are you still nursing?" glances and questions. My mom is sooo ready for me to wean--but its my baby, my boobs, and my decision (along with dh, of course).

[@llli*aidens.mommy]

-but its my baby, my boobs, and my decision

Good for you. Sneaky yes...but full of truths

Kudos to you momma!