Mama panic moment....
My DD1 nursed until she was 4 and weaned on her own. Fast forward 9 years later and I had DD2. She has been a Very challenging nurser from the get go. She turns 2yo this week. I am 11 weeks pregnant. She twists, turns, switches, is very demanding, etc. Until 2 months ago I worked full time then quit to be a SAHM. Prior to that I knew I would nurse her until she weaned herself because I felt like my time with her when I was not at the office needed that. Now that I am able to offer much more bonding throughout the day, I feel some of that drive leaving. Her nursing is also at the root of some major sleep issues. We night weaned 4 months ago but because she doesnt know the diffference between 2am or 6am (when she can nurse again) she wakes every 2 hours all night wanting to nurse. That, coupled with very sore nipples from pregnancy, made me consider gently encouraging her to wean.
2 nights ago I just hit some limit. I literally was going to pull my hair out if she nursed. So I cuddled her to sleep, woke up the next day, told DH...I am weaning her. I had no idea how to do this...the whole 'cut out one at a time' doesnt work as she has no nursing schedule. So I just kind of distracted her yesterday when she wanted to nurse, and when she persisted a couple times I told her they hurt right now. She cried a bit at naptime yesterday but I snuggled her down. She went to sleep last night without crying, but with 11 books read. I did not intend to go cold turkey, but now she has not nursed for a couple days, although she would like to at bed time and such.
I was fine for the last 48 horus then just now I got hit with....I cant wean her, she is only two, she needs it, horrible mom, never gonna nurse her again, heartbreak.
Rational me says...listen, you ended up in the hospital because it took 4 weeks to shake the flu due to horrible sleep deprivation. You give her infinate love and attention all day and she doesnt seem terrible distraught by this process.
I guess I am looking for some reassurance that I am not ruining her.
My DD1 nursed until she was 4 and weaned on her own. Fast forward 9 years later and I had DD2. She has been a Very challenging nurser from the get go. She turns 2yo this week. I am 11 weeks pregnant. She twists, turns, switches, is very demanding, etc. Until 2 months ago I worked full time then quit to be a SAHM. Prior to that I knew I would nurse her until she weaned herself because I felt like my time with her when I was not at the office needed that. Now that I am able to offer much more bonding throughout the day, I feel some of that drive leaving. Her nursing is also at the root of some major sleep issues. We night weaned 4 months ago but because she doesnt know the diffference between 2am or 6am (when she can nurse again) she wakes every 2 hours all night wanting to nurse. That, coupled with very sore nipples from pregnancy, made me consider gently encouraging her to wean.
2 nights ago I just hit some limit. I literally was going to pull my hair out if she nursed. So I cuddled her to sleep, woke up the next day, told DH...I am weaning her. I had no idea how to do this...the whole 'cut out one at a time' doesnt work as she has no nursing schedule. So I just kind of distracted her yesterday when she wanted to nurse, and when she persisted a couple times I told her they hurt right now. She cried a bit at naptime yesterday but I snuggled her down. She went to sleep last night without crying, but with 11 books read. I did not intend to go cold turkey, but now she has not nursed for a couple days, although she would like to at bed time and such.
I was fine for the last 48 horus then just now I got hit with....I cant wean her, she is only two, she needs it, horrible mom, never gonna nurse her again, heartbreak.
Rational me says...listen, you ended up in the hospital because it took 4 weeks to shake the flu due to horrible sleep deprivation. You give her infinate love and attention all day and she doesnt seem terrible distraught by this process.
I guess I am looking for some reassurance that I am not ruining her.
to you no matter what you decide.
And DH and I agreed....if we go a few days and it is really rough....or if she is still asking to nurse in two weeks, we will retreat. But when I decided it was time a couple days ago, I have never felt so sure about anything. It was just very odd, since DD1 nursed so long and I just assumed it would work this way too.
