The Alchemy of Breastfeeding
I feel like I have to begin the process now because I want us to take our time. I don't want any drastic measures.
And since he is an avid nurser, I am sure it is going to take some persuading for him to give it up, especially because it is the only milk he has known until now.
Last night, while I was doing online research on a good way to start slow weaning, a wave of melancholy hit me with such force that I was reduced to tears.
I tried to explain to my husband why but how could I put into words the magic that is breastfeeding?
How can I describe the moments my son and I spend staring at each other while he eats and reaches his hands up to explore my face?
What kind of words can capture the unique smile that plays on his lips when I make funny faces at him because he wants to avoid breaking into a grin that may cause him to lose the nipple he is holding hostage in his mouth?
How can I express the absolute tenderness I feel each feeding when I, once again, marvel at the fact he is my son?
You make me want to have a baby too!!
ending out breastfeeding. On the one hand I was so happy to
be moving on from it. But on the other... quite sad to be ending
such a connection.
My mom didn't want to wean my younger brother too -- she kept breastfeeding him until he got teeth... and bit her. When he came back for a meal the next time [he'd been feeding on a little non-breast milk foods on the side for a while] and she said no, he slapped her!
Babies' hands are painful!
Remember you don't have to stop yet!!
Thank you all so much for your supportive comments! It is nice to hear from other experienced mothers.
Tobian, Munit, Lilye, Tsion, lol about the wanting a baby! May be I should talk more about waking up four times to feed the little guy, diaper blow outs, and "I want to play with fire" tantrums:)
Azuka(!!!gulp) LOL. Oye. Mine already has teeth. So far, no biting and certainly no slapping! I guess your brother was old enough to pitch a pretty big fit about the disappearance of his favorite drink:)
Feven, voice of experience. Thank you, all of you mothers who shared your thoughts... I will take it very slow and easy. Feel my way to the right time and the right method:)
Finally, Nolawi! If you can eat in public, so can my baby;)
Nolawi - why isn´t breastfeeding in public ok? You eat in public, don´t you? And so do bottlefed babies. So why not breastfed babies? There are ways to breastfeed that people hardly will notice, you can always cover yourself up with clothes or a baby blanket or whatever. And if you personally doesn´t want to look at a mother feeding her child - look the other way! The babies right to food should always come first! Just my 2 cents...
I think its kinda disgusting.. when a woman whips it out in front of everyone and sticks the nipple into the babies mouth....
So you are okay as long as breasts are not used for eating? What would you think if you saw a woman at the pool and her bathing suit slipped a little? Is that somehow less offensive that a brief glimpse while a baby latches on/off?
Don't you think that's a little backwards?
No offense, but if I happen to be in the middle of the mall and the baby is hungry, he is going to get fed. His right to eat is more pressing than your need to not feel offended. :)
You are an adult, you can always choose to look at the mother/the boobs or look the other way. A baby who´s hungry can´t wait to eat just because his mother is at a mall or a restaurant or whatever. A baby needs his food whenever and wherever he is and that´s the law of life. My point of view!
Except for that my little boy won't eat when his head's covered.
Sorry, but I don't eat with a blanket over my head, either. Neither do formula-fed babies. Do you?
I marvel at how you express your feelings with amazing clarity and precision.
I don't have a child, but I can appriciate how those who do and unable to express their love for their child can relate to you on a personal level.
Nolawi, no problem.
Ababiru, thanks for the complement:)
Honey