Wednesday, January 21, 2009

I've come to a (semi)conclusion...

from my experience that mommy weaning is WAY easier than when a child weans him/herself.

Mikayla at 8 months went on a nursing "strike." Most of what I read said, Oh, it's just temporary; give it time. Not so with Mikayla. She NEVER wanted to nurse again. That was hard emotionally and not so comfortable physically.

Joseph, on the other hand, was much easier. Since I was running low on milk, I started weaning him at 10 1/2 months and now, he's officially weaned. I'm not broken-hearted like I was with Mikayla. I think it's mainly because it's been a very slow process. He's now drinking whole milk and loving it. He nursed for almost a full year and I am so grateful for that time.

How about you? Do you think one way is "easier" than the other?

Psalms 131:2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.

5 comments:

Mike and Misty said...

Not sure?? With Anna nursing did not work out so well with me and ended after a couple months. I thought my milk was low so I stopped, I did not know I could revive my supply. With Naomi and Luke I stopped nursing at about 8 months because I was pregnant again!

Mike and Misty said...

Oh yea, either way I loved nursing and was sad to stop but at the same time a bit excited.

Laura said...

i think i can agree. although i haven't experienced either yet (thankfully), i can see what you are saying.

Anonymous said...

If I can remember back that far into ancient Mommy-hood history, I believe I weaned Joshua around 10 months. Caleb only nursed for a week and that was the most treacherous...sp?... of times. I still have heartache over that. His weaning from the bottle was sad because that was really the only time he wanted to be snuggled. As soon as the bottle was done, he'd arch and squirm "GET ME DOWN FROM HERE, there's places to go, people to see!" ;o)

Leila said...

I agree - it's hard both ways, to me. Giving up something so beautiful is difficult - especially if you don't know if it will be the last time or not. I think it is easier when it's your choice rather than the baby's though, generally speaking. At least you are committing to the decision when you are ready and not being forced to by your baby, kwim?