feeling guilty about wanting to wean

[JamieB]

My ds is almost 16 months and I am so done.  It's funny because if I never found this board I would feel nothing but proud of how far we have come but now that I know better how can I not do better?

Anyway, i've never enjoyed nursing.  I hate how it makes ds act so whiny and clingy around me when he wants to nurse.  Nursing him feels like such a chore.  I am so ready to have my boobs back! 

Am I terrible? 

[oaktreemama]

 It's funny because if I never found this board I would feel nothing but proud of how far we have come

And you should be proud and leave it at that. It isn't (or shouldn't be) a contest on who is best able to martyr themselves on the Mommy Altar. If it is truly making you miserable I guess I would remember there are two people in the bf'ing relationship-and your feelings are valid.

[dalia]

I agree with pp. If you are not happy then change things and don't feel bad at all! Heck, 16 months is awesome. Get your boobs back and then never look back!

[PatioGardener]

It seems like 15-18 months can be a hard time for nursing Mamas! This age group is pretty needy anyway, and can easily make Mama feel 'touched out'. I have heard that this phase does pass!

It may help to remember that you can set limits - maybe night-wean, or limit nursing during the day. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Winter is a hard season to wean. I have a friend with a 20 month old who is also "so very done". She's setting limits but will wait until summer to wean fully - after flu and RSV season is over.

If you aren't certain about weaning you can always take it slow. Cut out the most annoying session, or the one your DS is least attached to and see how it goes for a week.

My little guy is only 9 months, but I gotta say I am looking forward to some better weather! All this snow makes it hard to get outside and that does nothing for my mood. (Off topic I know, but I saw that you are in ON so I thought you'd understand!)

[JamieB]

Thanks for the replies.  I am having a hard time with the decision so I will probably wait until cold a flu season is done and call it quits.  Thanks again.

[Piratelady2525]

You should definitely be proud of yourself for getting this far!  I can understand not always enjoying breastfeeding, it has been a rocky road for my 11month old son and I.  I have fought to keep going this long, and I hope to make it as far as you!  But I agree, at this point, if it is causing you more grief than joy, only you can make the decision whether to continue or not.  Good luck mama!