That toddler gym class really was the final straw I needed to make it possible for me to wean. It took place on my very first day as a StayAtHomeMom for the summer and kicked me right into gear. I want to play and have fun at toddler gym class with my boy like Wes does. I want my boy to be Leader of the Pack like he is normally. I do not want my breastfeeding relationship with him to tie him to me and make him clingy and whiny and weird when we are together. I am ready for the next step.
And so. Friday I told him that nursing was now only for sleepytime. He has had a few moments of tantrums, Friday especially. But his tantrums are rather mild, compared to others I have seen. He screams for a few seconds, he might cry a little. Then he moves on. He can be joked and distracted most of the time. And Wes was home Friday - Sunday. So we worked together. I followed some advice given here on the blog and did NOT stay away from him as it first seemed would be necessary. I smothered him in hugs and kisses and love. There were only a few moments when he tried to crawl down my shirt.
By Sunday, he seemed to get it. On Monday there was only one moment that he freaked a little for the muk in public. All other times, he asks and I say that it's just for sleepytime and he accepts this. He also accepts his cup of milk instead, which is amazing and new.
I am nursing him down for nap but hope to stop that in a few weeks, once I feel secure in our new world order. Night nursing will stay for a while, I think. I can see dropping the nursing before bed (he almost never falls asleep with it anymore and Wes has often put him to bed) but the nursing at 5 or 6 am when he wakes up and comes into our bed... I just shudder to think of giving that up and actually rising from my slumber. Bleh. I know. We will eventually perhaps try bringing him into the bed when he wakes early and NOT nursing, just cuddling. He will scream a lot, I bet, since there will be no distracting. But maybe it will work eventually. I have a lot more faith that this will all work eventually. So far it has been MUCH easier than anticipated. Thank you SO much to all who commented with advice.
