Weaning sadz

[PinkFreud]

DD is 20 months old and change. She was born 2 months prematurely. The first time I held her in the NICU she snuggled up to my breast and started sucking. That immediately brought in my milk. We have had such an incredible journey. I was really hoping that it would last until 2 years. However, she's wanting to nurse less and less at night and this morning I had to convince her to nurse. I really thought I would br super happy when this time artived, but I'm not.
How did you all handle the emotions surrounding weaning?
I'm having a tough time and didn't think I would. It's unlike me.

[lildiamondeyes]

PinkFreud I'm sorry. Hormones suck. I had to find something else to do that was special and just us, like snuggle and read a book or rocking chair cuddles.

[opheliainwaders]

Hugs PinkFreud. Just a heads-up that I was sad while weaning DD1 due to the hormones, and I *wanted* to! So just be gentle with yourself.

Also, YMMV, but around that age, my daughter's interest in nursing waxed and waned a bit until she finally weaned completely around 2.5 - so you may find that this isn't quite the end.

[Risscaboobs]

I haven't experienced this yet, but I know I'm going to be emotional too. So many hugs, PinkFreud. Hormones are a bitch.

[pesto]

I'm sorry PinkFreud. My son self weaned around 15 months and I was surprised how sad it made me. I thought I was looking forward to being done so the sadness caught me off guard. Just know that it's okay to be sad and it will pass.

[unringthebell]

I'm so sorry.

I had to unexpectedly wean my first cold turkey at 17 months. He was at daycare when I found out. That night was horrible emotionally and I cried for days. I still tear up thinking about it. I thought it was horrible to not know. Reading your post I realize it's emotional either way.

So I have no advice other than to allow yourself to feel whatever you feel.

Hugs.

[lily]

Hugs. Remember in addition to emotional reactions to milestones and changing relationships, weaning can wreak some hormonal havoc too. Be kind to yourself. Remember you're honoring your child's natural progression, even if it's not what you expected.

And like pp said, she may not self weak as quickly as it looks today.

[yummeecookee]

Aww, I'm sorry - its hard for sure. I had a lot of feels when I weaned my DS as he is going to be my last baby. The finality of it all sunk in so hard. He is still totally a cuddle bug and loves to snuggle with me - that has been my consolation.

[ugotstarbucked]

It took about 3 months to wean my 20 month old. She naturally dropped feeds as we went to 1 nap and she ate more dinner. It was sad but she drove the bus and by the last few weeks she was only nursing for 2-3 minutes at a time so it was clearly not a lot of milk.

[clucky]

It is sad, but I always tried to remind myself how long we made it. DS1 weaned by 15mo and it was very sad for me, I remember crying to my husband while DS1 played on the other side of e room before bedtime instead of nursing. DS2 made it around 22mo, and though I was ready for him to wean, it was very sad, it felt like the end of an era. As a side note, I don't remember exactly when they stopped nursing because I just couldn't make it something I remembered; it was at sad for me.

[sunfrogger]

I just have hugs and hair pats, friend. ❤️

[catspajamas]

Hugs to you. I know I'll feel the same. Congrats on making it so far! <3

[lolacachia]

No matter my headspace at any given time during this journey, if I ever though F was weaning I had a hard time. So far he has just had a couple strikes or periods where he wasn't interested and is still more into milkies than ever. Just remember it's a special bond th hat only you share and you can still have cuddles and quiet time in the evenings to reconnect.

[westiemom]

Hugs. Every time we drop a session, I can feel my hormones crash and I cry for several days like nonstop. It eventually gets better. Not to mention that it wasn't something you were really expecting. It's hard to close the door on that part of your relationship.