Regret weaning from breastfeeding too soon?

Penny - posted on 05/18/2009

This sounds uber-cheesy, but why not try a mantra? If you ever feel down or helpless when you're with her, you could look at her and try saying "the universe (or God, whatever you connect with) will provide" followed by something you're greatful for, like "we have love (food, health, shelter, smiles)." WHen you're away from her, you could always just say that, or "I can do this." It works best when said aloud. Again, I apologize for the cheesiness, but nothing works better for me than saying those things and/or taking a walk in the woods. These things put life in perspective for me, especially when times are tough.

Kehli - posted on 05/17/2009

I am still breastfeeding my babies. One of them will bite and I just remove her and tell her no. Then later I'll let her nurse again. They do get the message and stop biting. I will nurse my girls until they are at least 1. I stopped at about 3 months with my first child and I did regret it. I think it was more difficult because I went to work about that time and he was in daycare. So I felt like I was missing out on things. My doctor did say that I was depressed. So I guess weaning can make some women go through depression.

Cathleen - posted on 05/16/2009

Quoting Cindy:

I'm in the process of weaning my 8 month old right now and it's harder than I thought it would be. I'm a SAHM and my son has been biting and squirming for a few weeks now which is the main reason I decided to stop nursing. I've been quite emotional as well and wonder if I should keep nursing too. The nursing is more of a fight than I think it should be and I believe these emotions are probably hormones "rearranging" themselves because of the weaning. Just know that you're not alone and whether you work or not, wean at 1 month or 12 months, I don't think it's an easy decision.

I'm at the same spot, my daughter is 8 months old, and she squirms everytime I try to feed her.  We started weaning not that long ago, so now I only feed her in the morning and after daycare (I'm a student at high school) and that's it, then she gets three bottles of formula and her three meals.  I'm already missing it though.

Meghan - posted on 05/15/2009

Thank you! I suppose it's just part of watching her grow up so fast. It is very difficult for me to be away from her while I am at work. I am a single mom, so I don't have much of a choice! I am hoping that it's just a hormonal adjustment. Thank you for the encouragement, it helps a lot :)

Anyone have advice on coping better with being away from her so much?

Penny - posted on 05/15/2009

Hang in there, girl. You've done such a great job...pumping for as long as you did is not easy! (It's so much easier to breastfeed directly, isn't it?) I think it's so hard for women, because we are taught to be providers, but biologically, we really want to be home with our little babies. They really make us live in the moment. I'm sure you're missing that connection - make sure to look her in the eyes and give her lots of hugs and cuddles. I'm in the process of weaning my baby too, and I can't imagine what it will be like when she's completely weaned...but people do it every day and we will survive!

Cindy - posted on 05/15/2009

I'm in the process of weaning my 8 month old right now and it's harder than I thought it would be. I'm a SAHM and my son has been biting and squirming for a few weeks now which is the main reason I decided to stop nursing. I've been quite emotional as well and wonder if I should keep nursing too. The nursing is more of a fight than I think it should be and I believe these emotions are probably hormones "rearranging" themselves because of the weaning. Just know that you're not alone and whether you work or not, wean at 1 month or 12 months, I don't think it's an easy decision.

RaeAnne - posted on 05/14/2009

I went through the same issues with my first child. I believe that because i went back to work and dried up i was feeling guilty and missesd that bonding time with her. I just spent as much time cuddeling her as possible. She is now 5 and still loves to cuddle mommy before bed.