Having three children , it’s apparent they are all very different. Each one likes different foods. It’s rare they share a common interest in anything other than sugar.
Can I just say that each one laughs differently , cries differently, sleeps differently. And each one breastfed differently. The details would bore you , so ill just say this: no kid is the same.
So why should there be a specific age you ween them? If their needs and personalities are all diverse , it’s possible that their nutritional and bonding needs are all different too.
Our third came by emergency c section. Bonding took a few months , but we worked at it. Breast feeding has allowed the chemical make up of my body to bond with hers.
You all know the questions :
“She’s almost two , when will you stop nursing her?”
” Doesn’t she need for independence from you ?”
” I bet you aren’t producing anything, it’s just for comfort.”
The well meaning list goes on , but you just smile and say :
” I plan on stopping when she’s ready .”
And I do.
Have I had days where she drove me clinically insane grabbing at my boob all day long , to the point I wanted to join Survivor and build a tent out of sticks and large underwear because I wanted to scream ?
Yes.
But I’ve pressed on , and let down. ;)
For us it’s saved our relationship. Of course I would have loved her anyway , but our bond has become so deep because of physical touch. I know her smell as she knows mine.
My first two I weened right around 14 months , listening to the peanut gallery about what milestone my baby should be hitting and when.
- special note to peanut gallery. Eat your own Peanuts and stop expecting me to eat the ones you throw at my face. I’ll buy my own bag.
You wouldnt stick a crowd of adults together in one room and give them all the same lunch. Some may have dietary restrictions , some may be picky and some may like devour the lunch. But once you hand each person in that room a menu :
They get to choose what they want to eat.
Why not give your babies and toddlers that same choice. To be picky eaters, ( but still make sure they get proper nutrition , ya gotta get creative.) to not like all the same foods you love and to heaven forbid :
Breast feed past age one without being shamed.
She still needs me, and I’m just fine with that.
So Mommas: be brave to nurse. Be brave to stand strong in whatever you feel is best for your children. I’m standing with you.