26 May 2008

such a weaner

Eleanor went from nursing 4-6 times a day to nursing twice a day (bedtime and sometime between 4 and 6 am) mostly of her own accord. There was little in the way of angst for either of us. I recently decided it would be nice if she were done with all nursing before I leave for my college reunion in a couple of weeks, mostly because such an event without alcohol is unthinkable. Entirely selfish on my part, I realize. Sue me.

Oliver spoiled me. Two weeks after his first birthday he was done with nursing. I went away for less than 48 hours and he wasn't looking for boob when I came back. It was entirely painless for both of us. Okay, not entirely, but a couple of cabbage leaves took care of any issues I was having. I then enjoyed one glorious month before we started trying to get pregnant again.

It's been clear for a long time that Eleanor is much more attached to her mum and to nursing than Oliver. I chalk it up to going back to work when he was 8 weeks old and not working at all with her. All mum, all the time, and boobs on demand. But she's been on solid foods for months and whole milk too. She doesn't need my milk for nutrition. (As Michael said in The Big Chill: I don't know anyone who could get through the day without two or three juicy rationalizations.)

Anyway, on Friday night I nursed Eleanor before going out. Our babysitter then completed the remainder of her night time routine. On Saturday I once again nursed her at bedtime but separated it from the night time routine. She was pretty tired and conked right out. Sunday night I put her to bed without nursing. She cried off and on for a couple of hours. Nothing sustained, but she was clearly restless. Then she slept until about 5:30am. I woke up having leaked all over the bed for the first time in many months. 

Tonight I asked CD to put her to bed. He didn't want any information on her usual night time routine so I have no idea what he did, though I know there was a cup of milk involved. She was quiet for a while but then fussed much like she did last night. Oliver was upset so I don't know if he woke her up. It's also hot and humid. She's been quiet for an hour or so now.

I'm feeling pretty guilty but I also think it's time for us to be done. I know we will both be fine very soon.

And in other "weaner" related news, Eleanor had her first hot dog at the annual block party in our neighborhood. Tasty.

5 comments:

Burgh Baby said...

Oh, the joys of weaning. Alexis spoiled me, too. Although, I did seperate her last feeding from her bed time very gradually over the course of a few months. By the time she was 11-months, she would get her last feeding over an hour before bedtime.

Good luck!

Irene said...

Hi! I was always amazed at how easily kids can wean from breastfeeding when the time is right. I always anticipate HUGE problems and the kids always just end up taking it all in stride.

Good luck!

Quarantine Hobby said...

Ah, weaning. Weaning was somewhat difficult for me, but it helped that it wasn't really a choice--I was loosing my supply because of my erratic schedule. I still feel guilty about not breastfeeding past his 8th month, but what can you do?

With your reunion coming up, I don't blame you at all! Good luck!

I am a Tornado ~ proven fact! said...

My second weaned without a whimper; I'm not even sure I had to do ANYTHING different. It was early - 9 months. Both girls were weaned around that time because I hated to pump at work. I had no privacy and I hated the feeling.

I DO NOT blame you for wanting to drink at the reunion - it is a necessity!

KG said...

Man - I'm starting to think about The Big Wean. Not thinking about it too seriously, but kind of vaguely contemplating it at the back of my mind. Sumo is 10 months. But come on - who wants to wean when you consider the fact that I have NO PERIODS while breastfeeding?! I mean - HELLO - when I stop weaning my boobs are going to deflate AND I'm going to get the monthly visitor? No thanks. Maybe Sumo will nurse until college.