22 month old weaning :(

[Marnica]

I think it's here....My 22 month old seems to be weaning.

It has been gradual, but I think the end is here and I am so sad . My goal was always to make it until 2 yrs old. He has only been nursing 1-2 times/day for a while now, but yesterday he refused altogther and again this morning he wanted no part of it. I always said to myself that as long as he weans on his own terms, Id be fine, but I can't get the idea out of my head that I am so close to "the goal" of at least 2 years (I would have been happy to go longer) and yet it looks as if it will be unattainable. Who knows maybe he will just be more sporadic, but he has never ever gone more than 24 hrs without nursing until now. He is unvaxed and I always appreciated the protection and immunities that I felt he was getting from me as well.

I didn't think I would feel this sad about weaning. There are days when I wish he would, but at the end of the day I love that bond it has created between us and have a liitle hole in my tummy at the thought of him not nursing anymore.

[ps4624]

22 months is still a beautiful accomplishment! Please don't get caught up on the numbers - instead look at the larger picture. So many mamas on MDC are struggling with gentle ways to wean, and you've accomplished the most gentle way of all - by his own accord! You've obviously done a wonderful job or providing him with the security and confidence to move on to the next phase in his life. He's a lucky boy.

Now, go out and buy yourself a fabulous new non-nursing bra as a reward for your hard work!

[tinybutterfly]

Originally Posted by ps4624

22 months is still a beautiful accomplishment! Please don't get caught up on the numbers - instead look at the larger picture. So many mamas on MDC are struggling with gentle ways to wean, and you've accomplished the most gentle way of all - by his own accord! You've obviously done a wonderful job or providing him with the security and confidence to move on to the next phase in his life. He's a lucky boy.

Now, go out and buy yourself a fabulous new non-nursing bra as a reward for your hard work!

It's not about the numbers, it's about following your child's lead. You've done a great job!

[Marnica]

Thank you for the replies

He refused again last night when I put him to bed, but then woke up 2 hours later crying (had a dirty diaper) and I figured I'd offer and he was all for it and nursed to sleep. He nursed again very briefly this morning. I guess I just need to go with the flow and realize there may be days he doesn't want to and as long as he stops on his own terms, that is an acheivement (whether it's next week, next month or 3 years from now!)

[MountainMamaGC]

I know how you feel mama. My DD weaned herself like 5 days shy of her second birthday. I keep offering at night but she pops off after 5 seconds and doesnt seem to want it at all. I will stop offering after she turns 2 this saturday. Weaning is so bittersweet. In a way I am glad the transition has been so smooth for her, but I am still a little sad.

[annettemarie]

Moving out to Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy.