self weaned but baby is almost here...

[sammyloo]

My 2.75 self-weaned about 4-5 weeks ago - I am still in complete shock that he did, but he really did. Occasionally he will tell me "all done nursies" to remind that he is all done. I am 38 weeks pregnant and am wondering what my response will be if he asks to nurse when the new baby arrives. I feel like I want to let him nurse because I can't think of a reason that I wouldn't other than I hear that children may "forget" how to nurse and it could be painful but I can think of many reasons why I should (he just started school and I would love for him to have that extra protection with germs, it might make him feel more secure with new baby, etc.). I never expected him to wean, especially so close to the birth. Anyone have any thoughts?

[rockportmama]

Sounds like you have more reasons to let him nurse than not. If he asks. He might not ask. If he doesn't, would you offer? Some kids go right back to nursing, and some just want to be reassured they could nurse if they wanted to. And if he did nurse again and it hurt you, you could always tell him no then.

You have to do what you're most comfortable with, sammyloo.

((hugs))

[prothyraia]

It's possible he's weaned because he doesn't like the taste of colostrum, so if you *want* him to continue nursing it may be likely that he'll enthusiastically start up again if you offer after the baby is born. Or if you're read to be done, this may be a graceful way end the nursing relationship (depending on his reaction to the baby nursing).

My oldest was much younger (only 20 months) when his brother was born, and he was down to nursing once or twice a day by the end of my pregnancy (he told me my milk was yucky ). Then he didn't nurse for the first week after the baby arrived, because my afterpains were so bad it was all I could do to bring myself to nurse the newborn. And then my milk came in properly and he started right up again and is going strong at almost three.