As I’m typing this, I’m hiding from Lauren in my helper’s room. Crying softly.
I’m weaning my 24 months old toddler off my breasts today. For the second time. The first time she weaned off breast was 5 months ago, before her baby sister, Georgia was born. It was an easy transition – from 4 times a day to twice right before sleeps, and finally to occasional comfort feeding. I still have my baby from time to time when we both need emotional bonding.
The problem came after her sister was born. She saw her sister getting the breasts and naturally she wanted her share too. So it escalated from I also want a peck after baby had her milk to twice a day put me to sleep feed to I can’t sleep without breasts to I’m ripping mommy’s top off coz I want it NOW about every hour of the day.
The tipping point came last night when Georgia was crying hysterically in hunger while I was stuck with Lauren comfort feeding at my breast. I felt torn and devastated that I can’t go to my newborn and she had to be fed formula milk instead. I began to feel resentment.
So upon waking up this morning, I was determined to stop breastfeeding Lauren for good. Cold turkey. I may have even sounded cold when I told Nick about my plans and that I need his help in putting Lauren to bed tonight. He agreed.
That was it. My breast-feeding journey with my first born has just ended. No last feed as sweet goodbye. Just stopped. I turned away from Nick to let out a quiet sob. This is a lot harder than I thought. I’m already missing our closeness and our bond during breastfeeding. The little laugh, the intimacy, the trust and the loving look in her eyes when she looked up at me. No more. I’m not sure if I’m feeling sad or guilty.
I’m sorry baby. It has to be done. I hope you will forget my breasts soon.
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Wow! u bfed Lauren whilst u were preggers? that's so cool!! n comfort feeding still when u had two? u must have a whole lot of milk in u gal! anywayz, cold turkey is the way to go. really no choice. When i weaned my no.1 it was tough too especially at nights coz she was on complete bfing, no formula watsoever. I totally missed the feeling hence i decided to give birth to another one! wahaha…but this baby no.2 however seems to be more inclined towards the bottle so i'm treasuring every moment when he's at my boobs!
Oh man, I teared when I read this. I am at my 6th month of BFing my baby and I have a few who has asked when do I intend to stop. The thought of weaning off just makes me emotional. Here's a hug for you, things will get better, you can move on to another phase of Lauren's life where you bond with her with other activities 🙂
Oh man, I teared when I read this. I am at my 6th month of BFing my baby and I have a few who has asked when do I intend to stop. The thought of weaning off just makes me emotional. Here's a hug for you, things will get better, you can move on to another phase of Lauren's life where you bond with her with other activities 🙂
I really didn't know how to wean her off completely. Didn't mean to breastfeed 2 babies at the same time! I guess it is largely my part for letting it went on for as long as it did. I'm now cherishing every moment with Georgia too 🙂
I really didn't know how to wean her off completely. Didn't mean to breastfeed 2 babies at the same time! I guess it is largely my part for letting it went on for as long as it did. I'm now cherishing every moment with Georgia too 🙂
Thanks Jayme. Initially I had planned to BF Lauren for 6 months only, then it became 1 year, I just kept moving the dateline. I guess as long as the experience is still pleasant for both of you, there is no reason to stop it. All the best with your baby!
Thanks Jayme. Initially I had planned to BF Lauren for 6 months only, then it became 1 year, I just kept moving the dateline. I guess as long as the experience is still pleasant for both of you, there is no reason to stop it. All the best with your baby!
stumbled across your blog and this article! I am still bfeeding my 30 months old… but i feel it may be time, just not sure if i should go cold turkey or gradually? How is Lauren, has she forgotten about the breast? and how is her behaviour? just curious thats all…
Hi, I think gradually is definitely the way to go. I did it gradually the first time and it was a lot easier on both of Lauren and I, emotionally and physically (engorged breasts are a pain). Lauren is better now. She still asks for it, every now and then. At least she has stopped grabbing and pulling my top down whenever she wants.
I just popped over to your blog. Your little Dragon is sooo cute! All the best with weaning!
Thanks!! Lauren is gorgeous also!
I don't think Dragon understands gradual! The worst is at night before bed, she needs and wants it. And without fail, every night she will wake up once for a little feed / comfort. if she doesn't get it she screams murder!!!! Thanks for the tip will definitely try gradually. Glad to hear that she is getting better. I am very impressed that you tandem breastfeed!
Georgia is a little cutie 🙂
Thanks!! Lauren is gorgeous also!
I don't think Dragon understands gradual! The worst is at night before bed, she needs and wants it. And without fail, every night she will wake up once for a little feed / comfort. if she doesn't get it she screams murder!!!! Thanks for the tip will definitely try gradually. Glad to hear that she is getting better. I am very impressed that you tandem breastfeed!
Georgia is a little cutie 🙂