transitions

February 23rd, 2010

Reading this great article about my lactation consultant in the times yesterday was sort of oddly appropriate.

When Asher was 2 weeks old we went to see her in her lovely house not far from here. I wasn’t having problems breastfeeding but I figured it couldn’t hurt to make an appointment, at least she could confirm if what I was doing was right. I mean how would I know?

We were sort of winging it, my boy and me. Matthew tried to help with tips he remembered from the breastfeeding class we took. Asher was gaining weight, and peeing and pooping and in those early days that’s all that matters.

But off we went, because really, what else did we have to do? Asher was my job those first few months and I take my job very seriously.

Apparently we were doing just fine. Imagine that.

We did just fine for a long, long time. He hadn’t had formula until I found out I was going back to work at about 5 months. We just never needed it. He started on 1 bottle a day, upped to 2 when I began going into the office and when I realized I’d be traveling I added yet another bottle so I could save what I pumped in the freezer for my trip.

By early February I only nursed him 2x a day (AM/PM) and over the last few weeks he decided that he’d rather hang out and chat in the evening so that is what we did. Then I was down to just an AM nursing session. Its a pretty sweet schedule compared to the summer.

I spent the entire month of August nursing. Really. Ask anyone who came to visit.

As Asher turns 7 months old today he has also decided to stop nursing. He is done.

Its not even a supply issue, he just has no interest. It started back in December, or really earlier. He always disliked nursing because he would much rather face the world than the underside of my shirt. From very early on I pumped like a madman so he could have a few bottles a day. I guess you can say we both felt equal indifference to the mother/son bonding opportunity.

I went away for a few days and when I returned last week he acted like I was crazy, what was I doing? Where is his bottle!?

Of course I could have forced the issue, and if I was home with him I’m sure it would have been prolonged a bit but that’s not how it played out.

Am I OK with it?

That’s what everyone wants to know.

Yes. I am. It was his decision and it is nice not to have to worry about weaning.

It is nice not to have to worry about my boobs.

It is nice to have a bit more free time together to laugh, play, cuddle and kiss.

I am just maybe the tiniest bit sad that he isn’t getting the breastmilk anymore, since I really believe in its benefits. I was hoping to have at least 1 of his feedings be milk for the next few months.

It reminds me how little say I actually have in his choices. Its a reality check for sure. A good one.

He has his own thoughts and ideas.

I am just his mom.

Entry Filed under: My little nugget, Raising a kid