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May 2011 Moms
kgail11
member
just weaned daughter - needing support...
kgail11
member
I just have weaned my almost 6
month old DD... she had boycotted bottles for two months straight
(omg, it was rough) and so now that she finally started taking them
(w/formula), I sort of saw it as an opportunity out. I did enjoy bf'ing,
to an extent.. I enjoyed the bonding moments of course, but having a
VERY active and attention-seeking 3/5 year old, it was HARD. I just felt
like I neglected my toddler, which I know isn't really true.. but just
what I felt sometimes. So, the bottle feeding was very much easier/more
convenient for us. I hate pumping, so pumping for her bottles just isn't
an option. I want to have my body back.. I am still holding onto
weight like no one's biz - same deal when I bf my son, I quit at 3.5
months and the weight came off quickly. I want to be able to go away for
a weekend if I wanted to.. which I haven't done in years, but SO want
to (and DH wants me to, for a break).. I hated breastpads all the time
(I leaked).. I hated wearing a nursing tank 24/7. I was always terribly
anxious about getting mastitis or thrush (never had it. but feared it!) I
always sort of resented bf'ing, I just wanted to be 'normal' again, you
know?
I have fed her around the clock (like, forreal, the
girl was a crappy sleeper!) for 5.5 months.. she's 99th percentile large
and in charge...happy gorgeous little girl! I am proud of myself for
that! But also feeling suuuper guilty bc I am weaning essentially for
selfish reasons. She'd be fine to be breastfed for however long, I am
sure.
I just am extremely emotional right now... I know this is normal - hormones and all! But, can someone just tell me that I am doing the right thing??! I know, no one but myself can tell me something like that... oy. Anyone else weaned early for 'selfish' reasons and lived to tell the tale?
edit to add: she hasn't pooped in 3-4 days - called the pedi who said that's normal (even tho we transitioned her to formula gradually).. but to give her half a suppository tomorrow morn if no poop. I think if she would just POOP already, I'd be better, emotionally! I feel such GUUUILT!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: just weaned daughter - needing support...
Don't feel guilty! You're doing great. You made it longer then lots of moms and it's more important to do what's best for your family.
My son went 4-5 days without pooping before. A couple of hours after we called the pedi he went twice within a few hours. That's babies for ya
I'm in a very similar boat and wanted to offer some virtual support. My DS too wouldn't take a bottle for several months. I felt like I was losing it, never being able to get away with even my toddler for more than 3 hours. I kept trying and trying to offer a bottle (tried a zillion kinds) and finally about 2 weeks ago he just decided to drink one. So, similar to you, I didn't want to screw up a good thing so I basically immediately started weaning him and giving almost all bottles. I'm down to one nursing session a day and I think I'm going to get rid of that in the next couple of days. My DS is 6 months tomorrow and that was my goal.
I think it's reallllllyyyy hard not to feel the Mommy guilt when you quit no matter how long you nurse. But chin up!!!! You did a great job - 6 months of nursing is a large commitment. It's awesome to make it this far. When you are feeling sad try to think about the extra time you now have with your toddler. I'm finding that it's opened things up for me from a scheduling perspective...I can now not have to plan around all the little guy's feedings when I'm trying to play date with my toddler.
Lastly (and sorry this is a novel), the feelings you are having also have a lot to do with the hormones. GIve it a couple more weeks and the hormones really balance out. I remember that from when I quit pumping for my first son.