[pinit]Never in a million years did I think I would be writing about this topic. But, I have been so blessed the last couple weeks from one little tiny piece of advice that my husband gave me. So, I can’t help but share. Now let’s start from the beginning…
As you’ve seen in previous posts, I have recently survived the first year of being a mom. 😉 But, I have also survived one full year of nursing. And, for those who know me, this is a monumental accomplishment. Before becoming pregnant with Elijah, I never saw myself as a mom. Actually not until I gave birth to Elijah, did I see myself as a mom. Okay, okay… let’s be honest, I never saw myself as a mom, until several days (weeks?) after giving birth. Then it finally began to settle in. But, one of the things I really, really struggled with was nursing. I remember going to a breastfeeding class at the hospital and sitting in a group with other new moms. And, the instructor/nurse asked everyone to go around and tell everyone what they “liked most” about breastfeeding. When it came to me, my response was… “Well actually, I think it is really annoying.” I think the instructor was a little taken aback by my response and tried to make light of it. But, that is exactly how I felt. However, I was determined to provide my son the best possible nutrition, so if that meant it had to come from me, then so be it. I would figure it out. And, that’s exactly what I did. Now, I will save you from all the gore and fast forward to the point of this post. Weaning. I was never sure how long I would continue to nurse. But, one day, a couple weeks ago, I decided it was time. Perhaps it was my son’s new found sharp teeth? Perhaps it was the thought of coming to a point of having my son develop a higher level of understanding and having to explain to him that he couldn’t have what he had become so accustomed to and then dealing with hurt feelings. Either way, I knew it was time. So, I did what we all probably too often do.. and googled “how to wean”. And, article after article said… “Whatever you do, don’t go near the nursing chair!” So, I didn’t. And, for a few days, at naptime and bedtime, I simply laid my son down in his crib, walked out and then sorrowfully watched him on the monitor cry and toss and turn until he fell asleep. Now, thankfully this only lasted a couple minutes each time, because my heart wouldn’t have been able to take anymore. But, none the less, I still missed “our time” cuddling in the “nursing chair.” Finally my husband, who was bothered by our son’s pitiful crying also, suggested that I just go sit with him in the chair. I promptly told him.. No! Everything I read said not too. He just kind of shook his head and said.. “Just go sit with him.” So, the next nap time, I carried my son in his room and sat on the chair with him. And, guess what?! He wrapped his arms around me, laid his head on my chest and fell asleep. I was amazed!! And, sooo happy! It was the sweetest thing I had ever seen! After he was asleep, I laid him peacefully down in his crib and walked out. Then, bedtime came. I did the same thing.. sat down with him in the chair. And, immediately he fell asleep on me! I couldn’t believe it.. he was cuddling with me again! It was the sweetest thing I had ever seen. This continued to happen every naptime and bedtime. And, it has been the most amazing bonding time with my son. Sitting in the chair with his arms wrapped around me and his head on my chest just makes my heart smile. And, I then knew.. he doesn’t need milky, he needs his mommy!
I hope this post is an encouragement to any moms considering weaning. And, although I am by no means an expert on this topic, I hope you can glean from this one piece of advice that has been such a blessing to me.
