It's much harder than it seems. I didn't have any issues weaning the girls. When it was over it was over. Not so much for Ryder boy. I have heard it all from everyone I know, but they aren't walking in our shoes. They tell me, "What's hard about it? Just stop nursing". Going cold turkey is much easier said than done with this child. Ryder has been nursing 4+times a day for the past two years. It's a hard habit to break and so very bittersweet in my world. He's our last child and I know that I'll never ever nurse a child again. That makes me sad and that's why I have hung on for so long. He's always been all about it and still doesn't want to stop. He came out the world's biggest mama's boy and that hasn't changed one bit. I have to be the one to stop it and I guess I just haven't felt ready. I wish there wasn't so much external pressure to stop nursing just because he's the age that he is. I wish I didn't care what people thought. I know people think it's weird. He's got a mouth full of teeth, talks up a storm, and is on his way to being potty trained. I get what it looks like from that perspective, but it's so different when it's your own child. The day is approaching soon and I will be very sad. So for anyone that reads this blog, please just offer words of support and don't judge me for still nursing my toddler son. I don't want to look back and feel like I weaned him because everyone else thought it was time. I want to wean him when I feel completely 100% done and I'm almost there, but not quite. I know the feeling. I felt it with the girls. I couldn't do it for one more day, but that day is not there for me & Ryder yet.
I have A LOT of photos of me nursing Ryder, but I am fairly certain this is my favorite. I will cherish this photo for all of my days. It reminds me that he will forever be my baby and that I loved nursing him every day, multiple times a day until he was two plus years old.
4 comments:
So precious. . . Deb just turned one and I know I should start weaning her, especially with another little one of the way but I am in your same shoes. I'm just not ready- and neither is she. . . I'm seriously considering tandem nursing if I can manage it. I just don't want to regret not doing it as long as possible. I think you should wait. If you really feel like you should start, you could just drop one feeding every couple of weeks. I've thought about doing that with Deb. I have several friends that nursed at least as long as you, and longer. Don't worry about what anyone else says, just do what is best for your family.
No one is in your shoes so no one should be able to judge what you're doing. As easy as that is to say, of course that's not the case as people do judge. You are doing something that is good for Ryder and that shouldn't be looked at with criticism. I say do it as long as you want to and when you're ready you'll wean. Like you said, you felt when you were ready with the girls and you haven't had that feeling yet with Ryder. Good for you, Lisa! Stay strong!
Well having just weaned my 2 year old I tell you it is wicked hard for everybody involved. Follow your heart and your instincts, you are the only mother he has and you are his advocate. You know what is best and are doing the right thing. Parenting is a short journey although it often feels long. I am proud of you for taking the time to stop and smell the roses when so many are in a race to the finish. Much love:)
Our country has such a negative stigma surrounding nursing and I just don't get it. The WHO recommends breastfeeding for AT LEAST two years, and it seems like we are the only country in the world that frowns upon nursing past one year. If you AND Ryder are not ready, then don't wean! Your business is just that - your business. Who cares what anyone else thinks. Breastmilk is God's perfect nutrition, and someone who thinks you should stop giving that to your child is crazy!!! There are so many things regarding parenting that people will look down on others for, and this shouldn't be one of them. Just hold your head high and nurse Ryder until he lets you know that he's done. And that picture - beautiful.
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