Spoiled and breastfeeding

Jessie - posted on 10/20/2010

I wouldnt put the blame on breastfeeding. my mom (anti breastfeeding old hag) used to tell me constantly how I spoiled my son with my boobs. yes, he became clingy and would cry if I left the room, etc. but guess what? formula babies do the same thing. it's called serperation anxiety. and frankly, I don't blame your son one bit for being upset when you leave him. that's what he is used to is being with you 24/7. I NEVER leave my son (15 months) unless I am working (part time) or recently I went back to college (I took a year off after he was born). sure it breaks my heart when my son did (and sometimes still does) cry when I leave but I know when I do leave he is in good hands. keep your head up cuz it does get better.

Joy - posted on 10/13/2010

I don't think your child is spoiled. He seems to have a healthy attachment to his mom. My daughter also went through separation anxiety and is still wanting to be close to mommy. In some cases she is also fostering her own independence too because now at two she wants to do everything herself. Breastfeeding actually I think helps babies grow into healthy independent children because the baby's need for security has been met early on. You can never ruin a child by breastfeeding. It is an opportunity to bond with your baby which is only a short time in their baby life before they grow older. I would try to be with him at daycare to help him feel secure in a new place and let the daycare workers know what your baby needs.

Jodi - posted on 10/13/2010

it is completely normal for him to be going through this stage, whether it be bottle or breastfed. If you truly want to wean him I suggest a gradual approach that will meet you with less temper tantrums in the long run and probably wait a month or two to start to let the seperation anxiety run it's course so it doesn't just become worse.

Ania - posted on 10/13/2010

at 9 months he has separation anxiety it is not because of BF

Olivia - posted on 10/12/2010

There is nothing you can do at his age.. you did the right thing by breastfeeding. But like everyone else has said,he is at the stage where he is going through Separation Anxiety. Enjoy that he wants to be with you all the time and in your lap because when they get mobile then you can't keep them in your lap and they want down ALL the TIME! My little man is about to be 15months old and he is extremely attached to me (i still breastfeed on demand) and I can't even walk out of the room without him yelling "ma ma" after me lol. But I enjoy it because he is going to grow & not want to be around me at all =( I get me time after he goes to sleep & figure I will get plenty when he gets old, so I enjoy him now =) It will get easier, I hope you get some time !

Lise - posted on 10/12/2010

What everyone has said so far is correct. It's the age! It isn't due to bfing. It's a HARD time, but you can make it through! My lo went through it and now, at 11 months, all I find myself saying is, "Please, baby, let me hold you!" All she wants to do is run away from me. She's got small legs, but boy is she fast!

Emily - posted on 10/12/2010

He doesn't sound "spoiled" to me. He sounds like a baby who has a healthy attachment to his mother. There is nothing wrong with that, and he would likely be that way if you formula-fed. Some babies are simply clingier than others and has nothing to do with the way they're fed. I don't think this is something you need to "break" your son of. Just try to focus on the positives right now. Your son loves and needs his mama. Some time down the road you'll be remembering this time with fondness, as your big boy is running away from you, wanting more to do with his friends than his mama. ;)

You might try getting a baby carrier, like an Ergo, so you can wear your son on your back when you're doing chores. You can go on with your day while he's getting his need to be close to you met.

Celeste - posted on 10/12/2010

This has nothing to do with breastfeeding! Separation anxiety is normal behavior,. He will outgrow it, it's a phase that many babies his age go through.

Weaning him isn't going to solve the problem either.

Some articles about separation anxiety.
http://www.parents.com/baby/development/...

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/developme...

Sarh - posted on 10/12/2010

I do not think he is like that from breastfeeding. I breastfeed my son and he will go by who he wants to.

Lydia - posted on 10/12/2010

i don't think breastfeeding is the reason for his behaviour. all kids go through times were the cling to mom only, sometimes have separation anxieties. your son is in a typical age for this. the worst you can do is try to push him away from you. he may need reassurance to build his confidence and the source of his security is you. this will soon pass. he can feel that you are trying to get him to be more independent from you but maybe he's not ready yet. give it some time - maybe in 2 weeks it will all be different already. can you be at daycare with him. if yes stay there maybe for coupe of days and show him how much fun it can be there with all the toys etc.

Katie - posted on 10/11/2010

You should just embrace this very short period of your life where you are your babies world. Pretty soon all he will want is his friends and you will look back on this time and wish your were here. I realize you are frustrated, but you have the common sense here, your baby knows nothing but you. He grew to the sound of your heart and has had nourishment from your body, you are his all. In the future if you were unable to have more children these would be the most precious moments of your life. Breast milk is the best thing for your baby, feel fortunate that you are able to give your child this precious gift that will bless him with good health in his young years.