Ooof.
All the feels about this one. I wanted to share a little about what I’m experiencing in deciding to wean my girl and some of the things we’re doing to make the transition as smooth as possible. For some people weaning is a choice and for others it’s just how things happen and there’s surrender to the experience no matter how it’s done.
I’ve been feeling myself need myself more and more these days and next weekend I’m headed out of town to support my mama through a not so fun medical procedure so I’m leaving the babe at home. At first I thought I’d pump but I’m actually really bad at pumping (can’t seem to let down) at this point in my nursing career so it also may be presenting a natural situation for this phase of our relationship to end. I’d originally hoped she’d just lose interest and eventually, she would but I’m also realizing that it’s also good mothering to understand when I’m ready and that time feels like now-ish.
I decided to slowly cut out feedings because “cold turkey” felt like it might be dramatic for the both of us. For the second nursing (usually after a nap or when I get home from work), I started giving her a homemade banana, almond cashew milk smoothie that we also called “milk” (hey, milk mustache girl ). That, paired with a little redirecting, walks and cuddles worked pretty well. Today, after a week of 2 feedings, we woke at a friend’s house with a “puppy” (all dogs are puppies in our world) and when she asked for milk I asked if she wanted to go see the puppy instead. She was sold. And next week, when I’m gone, I presume she’ll easily transition to no milk at all. Though she could easily prove me wrong (wouldn’t be the first time).
I’ll miss the sweet experience of nursing my little lady (I feel the emotion even as I write this) but if I’ve learned anything in parenting, it has been that the only constant is change and there’s a bittersweetness every step of the way.
If you have anything to share about your weaning experience (or questions), please get in touch!
