Thursday, June 19, 2014

No, not weaning yet

Now that Edison is a year old I get asked often about weaning him. It's not a question that I mind being asked. It's legitimate to be curious as to the way others raise their children. It's definitely something that I've thought about on my own and my answer is this:

No, I have no current plans to wean my 13 month old son.

But he doesn't NEED to be breastfed, right? If what you mean is does he eat other food and therefore not rely solely on my breast milk? Well, yes. He does eat other food, he isn't relying on my milk to keep him alive like he did a year ago. BUT he is the boy that's always sought comfort at my breast. He's my baby boy that refused soothers, bottles, rocking, and any other method of comfort which is offered to him. He chose nursing as his comfort zone and that's been okay with me.

So... "Simply" weaning him isn't all that simple. There's so much involved in our breastfeeding relationship that taking it away without him being ready in my mind would be so very cruel. And for what really? It's working out for both of us, he's happy to nurse and it forces me to relax in the day and bond with my son. It's purposeful time spent with him.

Why change what's working for us based on what other people might find uncomfortable? My goal keeps on changing, first it was six months, then twelve and now twenty four months. The recommendation is nursing until babe is two years old, so why not?

I never thought I'd nurse longer than a year and here I am with my perspectives completely changed. I wonder how long it'll last but I'm not rushing the process or dragging it out either. I'm trusting my son and giving him the freedom to choose what he needs for himself.

I think it'll be a sad day once he does wean but that's all apart of motherhood right? Moving onto the next steps and enjoying the process of growing up!!
N.