Sad about weaning

muchlove

This might sound ridiculous to even be upset about this because he is a year old and all. (And especially in contrast to the earlier poster who points out how seriously life-sucking nursing can really be at times). But I was not planning on weaning right now but I think I have no choice. I am kind of sad about it and have been fighting it for a few weeks, but my supply is tanking and that's making the problem worse.  He is really looking for a bottle. It started when he cut his 2 upper teeth and I went back to work and AF also came back all within a month's time. For  quite a few weeks I resisted weaning-kept offering the breast, pumped, etc. as much as possible, but I certainly don't want him to miss out on what he needs. So I am giving him more bottles now.

I BF DD til she was 22 mos old and I feel kind of guilty not doing the same for DS. But she was an avid nurser and he really never has been. And I might be crazy but it makes me a little sad that he doesn't seem as attached to me, in general, as DD was/is. My time with him is also divided, unlike with DD and I feel like this has makes us less close than I have always been w/ DD. (she's sitting here twirling my hair as I type). I feel like if I stop BF'ing I will lose that even more.

AND, this is my last baby. This is the last time I will do anything like this for a baby and I am really very sad about that.

I know it's about him and not me. But I thought maybe some of you might have a little advice or just plain sympathy to help me just let this go.

TIA

lsufan

If he's a year old, can you just give him milk in a cup during the day and continue nursing before bed?  I went back to work when Evan was 6 months old, and by 9 months I gave up pumping during the day due to low supply.  He had a couple of formula bottles during the day in addition to solids, and I was still able to nurse him in the morning and before bed.  At one year, he switched to cow's milk during the day, and I nursed him before bed.  I did that until he was 16 months, and by that time I don't think he was getting much milk anyway.  It was mostly a comfort thing, and he didn't even notice when I stopped.

This won't have anything to do with how close you'll be to him, I promise.  I can understand being a little sad, though.  I haven't weaned my youngest, but I'll probably have the same feelings.  Even though I've been either pregnant, breastfeeding, or both for 5 years straight now.  It will be so strange to be done with it, but I'm excited to see my boys grow up.

Angela814

((Hugs)) I wish I had some good advice for you.

JOEBunny

Just because we hate BF, doesn't mean we are not sad our babies are growing up.   Thursday will be the last day I nurse DS.  I am very GLAD to end it, but I am sad that he is not a little baby anymore, and I will never have another newborn, but I am also glad he is growing into the little person he is becoming.

REOM

I'm sorry you are sad, I remember that feeling. Like yours, my supply tanked, and I was just hanging on for myself. I tried to remind myself that it was best for HER to end on her terms and that I needed to remember that. I watched my cousin struggle to wean her almost 3 year old, and I knew that I didn't want to go down that road. I was glad that there were no tears (on her side) and that brought me comfort.

Congrats and good luck

muchlove

JOEBunny:

Just because we hate BF, doesn't mean we are not sad our babies are growing up.   Thursday will be the last day I nurse DS.  I am very GLAD to end it, but I am sad that he is not a little baby anymore, and I will never have another newborn, but I am also glad he is growing into the little person he is becoming.

Just curious, why did you pick Thursday? Are yo ugradually weaning down?

They really are both still babies and I am having a blast (= I am exhasted) watching them grow.  I really do look forward to the next chapter in my life. Maybe getting a little bit of my swagger back, my sex life, maybe 5 minutes to myself here and there. And I am also going to splurge on a new pair of expensive jeans and a nice new bra when this is all siad and done. So, my sadness can be bought, a little bit.

Thanks for the sypmpathy!

JOEBunny

muchlove:

JOEBunny:

Just because we hate BF, doesn't mean we are not sad our babies are growing up.   Thursday will be the last day I nurse DS.  I am very GLAD to end it, but I am sad that he is not a little baby anymore, and I will never have another newborn, but I am also glad he is growing into the little person he is becoming.

Just curious, why did you pick Thursday? Are yo ugradually weaning down?

They really are both still babies and I am having a blast (= I am exhasted) watching them grow.  I really do look forward to the next chapter in my life. Maybe getting a little bit of my swagger back, my sex life, maybe 5 minutes to myself here and there. And I am also going to splurge on a new pair of expensive jeans and a nice new bra when this is all siad and done. So, my sadness can be bought, a little bit.

Thanks for the sypmpathy!

I am leaving DS for 5 days to wean him.  I have been trying for 2 months with no luck, so my mom is going to take him.  He can take a sip cup and will in the afternoon if I am out, but otherwise refuses. 

shopgirl78

muchlove:

AND, this is my last baby. This is the last time I will do anything like this for a baby and I am really very sad about that.

This!  It is going to be so hard to (ON ME) to wean Jacob.  I really love the bond of BFing!  I will likely cut out all feeds but night time nurse until he refuses! Could you do that?!?