Forced on a different path...

[mom2threenurslings]

I have five children. The oldest 4 naturally weaned between the ages 5 and 8. My youngest is 3 and continues to nurse, however I have recently been diagnosed with severe psoriatic arthritis and, after consulting many sources including a naturopathic physician, have found that I need to go on a drug that is not compatible with breastfeeding. If it wasn't for how much damage has been done in just the past few months. the amount of pain I'm in and my severely limited mobility, I'd try to put it off, but that's not possible. So I'm finding myself having conversations about weaning with my 3 year old. At the very least I'd love for her to make the decision that she's ready to wean, but I doubt I'll be that lucky. She wants mamamilk "forever" but is open to my suggestion that we get her a special cup with special milk (vanilla hempmilk or something ;) ) and have lots of special cuddles when I have to start taking the meds. I'm hoping all goes smoothly.

I posted this in CLW, because I have this question: Does anyone else have experience having to wean or choosing to wean a child after practicing child-led weaning with other children? If so, how did you handle it? Any words of wisdom? 

[Meredith&Alexander]

I'm so sorry that you're affected by this!  I have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but I'm able to keep it controlled with biologics (Humira, mostly) and occasionally steroids.  I had to fight with our insurance company to keep from having to take methotrexate because they didn't want to pay for biologics, and I eventually won.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

[mom2threenurslings]

Thanks for your response. My rheumatologist wants to get me on biologics, but feels the mtx is necessary at this point due to the aggressiveness of my PsA and the damage and deformity already present. I find out this week if my back pain is from spondylitis. 

This is most likely my daughter's last week of nursing. Some days she seems ready, others she's sad. We've agreed that we're both going to be sad and miss it, but can still cuddle and have the same skin-to-skin contact that she craves while she drinks from her soon-to-be-bought special cup.