Is it possible?

[lifeguard]

I am going to be away from ds for 2 weeks in July. He will 20 months then, he is still bfing 3-6 times a day right now.

Do you think there is any chance of not weaning him before him going & being able to pick up when I get back without causing him a lot of upset/trauma with my sudden disappearance?

[Katie T]

I don't have any experience with situations like that but I'm sure others have and happily continued on when they returned.

[sunnygir1]

I think he'll probably adjust. You should probably talk to him about the trip leading up to it, about who will be caring for him, etc. I'm sure if he starts nursing again you'll keep producing.

[calebsmommy25]

I have never been away from ds for 2 weeks, but he does occasional overnights with his grandparents, was away from me for 3 nights and then 4 nights a last month. He never has any problem picking right up. When I am away he doesn't care to have that much milk anymore. He has a bottle of bm around nap time and at bed, and when we are together nurses anywhere from 3-8 times a day...depending.

I would prepare him for what is going to happen and that you are going to be away for a while, but will be back. Cover all of those bases. I'm sure he will resume nursing if he is still enjoying it now.

[lifeguard]

I have left him for a weekend with dh so it won't be the first time he is away from me. I also know I can pump (& will need to for my own health/comfort) while I'm gone.

He doesn't understand much right now - certainly nothing as abstract as Mommy's going away & you'll stay with Papa. How much will that improve from 17 months to 20 months?

I know dh wants me to just wean him but I really don't want to, it's such an integral part of our day & so important as a mothering tool for me. Maybe I'm scared but I'm not sure what I would do if I didn't have bfing to offer him at times.

[sunnygir1]

Children understand much more than we often give them credit for. Talking them through changes definitely makes a big difference in how they respond to the change.

If you feel like you aren't ready to give up your breastfeeding relationship, I think you should keep it going...as long as your lo is into it too.

[moondiapers]

It really depends on the kid. It may result it weaning, and it may not. If I wasn't ready to wean I'd work at keeping my supply up while I was gone, make sure that a breast like bottle is being offered while I'm away (only given in arms like nursing) and hope for the best.

[calebsmommy25]

Originally Posted by lifeguard

I have left him for a weekend with dh so it won't be the first time he is away from me. I also know I can pump (& will need to for my own health/comfort) while I'm gone.

He doesn't understand much right now - certainly nothing as abstract as Mommy's going away & you'll stay with Papa. How much will that improve from 17 months to 20 months?

I know dh wants me to just wean him but I really don't want to, it's such an integral part of our day & so important as a mothering tool for me. Maybe I'm scared but I'm not sure what I would do if I didn't have bfing to offer him at times.

Our children understand a lot more than we realize sometimes. Even when I'm not sure if my ds would understand something like explaining that I am going somewhere and he will be with Daddy, I still have explained it too him. I explain everything throughout our days, what we are doing, what is planned, what we will have for snacks, dinner, that we will go to the playground later, etc.

The bolded text says it all. If you don't want to wean and your child is happily nursing, don't wean. There have been plenty of times my dp has said he thinks it is time for us to wean because he feels ds is getting 'too old' and doesn't need it. I have stood my ground. Both ds and I enjoy and cherish our nursing relationship, and I wouldn't have it any other way. There is so much research to support extended breastfeeding and the benefits.

[lifeguard]

Thank you mamas. I do talk ds through everything as it is & you're right he probably understands more than I am giving him credit for.

Dh is supportive of continuing bfing but is worried that I'll be gone & he'll be left with an inconsolible little guy. I can understand his concerns.

I guess I'll just continue on continuing on for now & revisit this again as we get a little bit closer.

[lauren]

That is a pretty long time to be away for that age. Any chance he can come along for part of the journey? My babies did begin weaning around that age, and I think you're right, it is hard for them to understand where 'mommy went.'

[lifeguard]

Unfortunately there is absolutely no way for him to come with me. I'll be running the waterfront at a large camp (about 2000 participants) & I just will not be able to care for him at the same time. I committed to this well over a year ago not anticipating it would be so difficult to be away from him! All in all I know he will be ok at home with dh (they are very attached as well), I just didn't know that bfing this long would even be a part of the equation.