Camden nursed multiple times a day (and night) through Christmas of this year (about 16.5 months) when we slowly started cutting feedings until recently when he was only nursing once in the morning (unfortunately, Camden is a VERY early riser so this was usually sometime between 4:30 and 5:00). I was tentative to drop this last feeding completely...would it ruin the incredible bond that we have built between us? Would he still be my little snugglebug even without getting "the good stuff" in return? He has only been seriously sick once in his lifetime, would he stay as healthy without nursing? It's hard to see your little baby growing up, but I felt like it was time. Nursing while pregnant is not the most comfortable thing. I did it for 4 months, but it wasn't very fun.
So, the time has come. Last Wednesday we didn't nurse for the first time ever. He asked for it with his precious little sign language, but I explained to him again (we had prepped him a little in the days leading up to it) that "Mommy's nursies went bye-bye." We sang a little song about it that we had made up and on Day One he definitely shed some tears (and I was trying not to join him!), but by Day Two, he asked for it, but didn't cry. We are now on Day Six and he's doing great. He still does his sign occasionally, but doesn't shed any tears over it and seems to be adjusting just fine.
My baby is all grown up and it's hard for me to adjust to the idea that he doesn't "need" me the way he used to. I'm thankful we shared this experience together and I'm glad I was able to give him such a healthy start to life. If I'm this sad about this, what is it going to be like dropping him off for his first day of school!?!?! Ugh...I can't even begin to think about that without tearing up.
PS - Camden is going to love this post when he's fifteen! :) Someday he'll appreciate it though.
3 comments:
Great post, Linds, as always. Parenting is full of those bittersweet moments when you're glad for your new freedom, but sad they don't "need" you as much. But somehow our children tell us when they're ready for these transitions to the next stage and they help prepare us. Now there will be new things that will bond the two of you together. Thanks for the sacrifices you made to give him such a good, healthy start to life!
Love, mom
Beautifully said, Linds! It's just one of many transitions, and like Mom said, there will be new ways of bonding. As much as this stage has been hard between me and C, it's so fun to go to a coffee shop and have hot cocoa together, or go for a hike in the woods when she can actually cover some distance! So growing up isn't all bad, in fact, it keeps getting more and more fun! And yes, Camden will LOVE this post when he's fifteen!!!
Love you and sending thoughts and prayers today. Wrap yourself in love.
xoxo,
Caren
Yes, weening was hard. But it sounds like both you and he were ready. I nursed Corbin till he was 17 months. I was going to go for 18 but he just seemed ready. Camden will do great! And yes, you will find other ways to bond. This is just the first step towards independence. I am sure your body will also appreciate a break while you are growing that new baby i there :-)
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