A Surprise Self-Weaning
Nan D.-M.
FL USA
From NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 18 No. 4 July-August 2001, p. 135
When my son, Liam, was born
I knew I would breastfeed him, and I thought I would do so for about
a year. As he got older I was surprised how truly wonderful and convenient
it was to nurse a toddler. We didn't struggle over naps or bedtime.
Instead, Liam seemed to look forward to this time we shared, so we continued
our nursing relationship. I had heard about the idea that children and
do wean themselves, have to admit I was dubious. Sure, I had watched
Liam gradually decrease his nursing as he became more interested in
the world beyond his mama, but I imagined that someday I would have
to be the one to wean Liam.
Two months after Liam's second
birthday, I became pregnant with our second child. I decided that I
would keep nursing. I had to endure some nipple tenderness, but it was
worth it. By nursing him to sleep I was guaranteed a much-needed nap.
My fatigued, pregnant body demanded much sleep. We nursed throughout
the pregnancy, and I expected to continue to nurse Liam after the birth.
Many LLL members I met had accounts of their older child nursing with
even more gusto postpartum, after getting a taste of the more plentiful
milk. I also thought that nursing Liam after his baby sister arrived
might prevent the jealousy or resentment that often accompanies the
birth of a sibling.
Much to my surprise, Liam
did not ask to nurse after his sister, Erin, was born. He would watch
her nurse and I expected him to ask for his turn. He never did! He was
really enjoying his new role as a "big, tall brother." The down side
was that he stopped taking naps! After three non-napping days I tried
to get the very grouchy little guy to sleep by asking him if he wanted
to nurse. "Okay," he said, settling into his favorite nursing position.
As the milk started flowing, he stopped suddenly. "What's that yucky
stuff?" he asked. Liam wrinkled up his face. "I don't like it," he stated
emphatically. That was the last time I nursed my son. I guess Liam had
gotten used to drinking his milk cold from the refrigerator! I have
to admit I was really surprised. I was a little relieved too. Liam weaned
himself without any coaxing on my part. He does still have a soothing
device that is attached to me: my hair. Now when he's feeling tired
and is ready to sleep, he tells me he wants to "have hair." Weaning
him of this habit may present more of a challenge. My husband jokes
that we'll most likely have to send him to college with a wig!
Last updated November 13, 2006 by njb.
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:30:36 UTC 2007.
