We've been down to "only at naptime" for ages. Even though they'd dropped their naptime session before then, I started it back up at 14 months as a way to get them to nap without stripping naked and peeing in their beds first. When they dropped their bedtime session at 2, naptime became our only session and I was in no hurry to be rid of it. Well, Trent quit nursing entirely (and abruptly) at naptime several days ago and Trevor has been off & on but now says he's done also (and they do tend to mean it when they make such claims). So, I got what I wanted... they chose when... and the timing is good but it still makes me a little sad. There have been a few days of me having to relax on the bench in their room until they fell asleep to get them to nap but they've gone from 40 minutes of winding down to 15 so we may be closing in on the end of needing a naptime crutch altogether. It makes me even more sad that I feel like I can't share this event with most people because of the social stigma in our country of nursing a 3 YO. I haven't even told my husband (whose support I lost around their first birthday) because his response would be something along the lines of "about damn time". I think my hormones are all over the place too since every little thing makes me tear up. So, if you're the type who thinks anyone who nurses past age X is wrong for doing so, please don't respond in this thread.
:woman: Awesome!!! You did great! Sorry that you don't have support IRL, but you certainly have it here!!!! Congratulations!
congratulations!! what an awesome accomplishment. :banana: :hug: i think it's probably always tough when something you enjoy ends, even when you know it's the right time & way. :hug:
Debi! :friends: what a great mom and an inspiration. I'm glad you got to keep it up until they wanted to stop. Congratulations for keeping it up without DH's support. It's natural to be sad, but you've got a lot to smile about.
Wow, Debi I'm impressed you were able to hang on so long. :clapping: I'm struggling to make it a year, and my boys won't even nurse, so I'm always impressed to see women who can keep it up. FWIW, women have been nursing their babies for more than a year for a thousands of years. You're in good company with the extended nursing.
Since there are tears in my eyes reading your post, I think it's more than hormones (or we have the same ones running right now). Weaning after nursing for so long really is a milestone - the end of babyhood - which I think gets softened a little bit if weaning happens when they're still obviously babies. It's never easy to let go of that connection to their first days. I'm in awe of you for sticking with it, especially with an unsupportive DH. Your boys have an awesome Mommy.
Wow Debi! I think that you are amazing! I am happy and sad for you. I know that self-weaning happens and is a good thing at a certain point but I do realize it can be tough emotionally to let go of that connection. Big hugs-be proud of yourself, you are an inspiration!
Wow!! Way to go! You've given your kids a wonderful gift! :clapping: I nursed my oldest DS until he was 29 months - and I didn't share that with too many people, either.
Debi, you are AMAZING. :bow2: You know, I was just thinking of you the other day and wondering if the boys were still nursing. It's so inspiring to hear your story of true child-led weaning. I'm sorry you don't have more support IRL. :hug: The emotions must really be running high right now. You've got lots of shoulders to cry on here, though! :hug:
Debi- I also had been thinking about you just the other day wondering if you were still bfing, so funny timing that you post this today! I can definitly understand how you would emotional over this, it is a big change, one step further in the direction of them growing up. I still miss nursing and it has been almost a year since they weaned, so be prepared for these feelings to last a little while! You are great mom in so many ways, this just helps demonstrate that :clapping:
I've never been in this forum before, I just wanted to say that I appreciate that no one turned this into a debate, and am so very proud of Debi for sticking by her instincts and going with what felt right despite the social stigmas and lack of support. I think it's important that you posted about the experience in here so that other women who are considering/in the midst of extended nursing can gain insight from your experience. A round of applause for you, mama. :Clap: Back to my usual hangouts.... :spy:
Oh Debi I so wish I could of bf that long. I got real sick when the twins were 4 months old and had to stop. I tried to get my supply back but sadley it had been to long and the meds dried me up. Congrats to you. Don't let people make you feel bad. Bf is the most wonderful. You feel so close to your babies. And it is such a comfort to them. So sorry it has to end. Here is a hug and luvs to you. . Way to go mommy 3.5 yrs. Congrats. That is dedication.
What an amazing gift you gave your sons! My younger daughter self-weaned at 2 1/2 so I completely understand how you are feeling. I really mourned the end of our nursing relationship and most of the people in my life just couldn't understand or they thought I was being ridiculous. It took me a bit to get over it, but now it falls into the same category as all the other milestones that make me a bit teary. Nursing my other babies was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life and I really hope that I can nurse my twins for as long as you did. You truely are an inspiration.
:woman: Its sad that you have to hide such an amazing accomplishment because people just dont understand. WTG Mamma. I dred the day Mikiah weans and I honestly dont care how long she nurses!
You are a complete rockstar mama!!! Amazing! What an amazing milestone, plus THEY weaned...that's so great. You deserve a cruise or something. :woman: :woman:
QUOTE(girls! @ Apr 24 2009, 01:30 AM) You deserve a cruise or something. I agree! :woman: :woman: What an amazing accomplishment! Congratulations!
