Weaning Breastfeeding

Hi C.,

That's great that your baby never had a bottle! You rock, Mom!! Ouch, that biting owie sounds painful. I'd check with the doctor about it not healing - if she is nursing as infrequently as you mentioned, it shouldn't be keeping it from healing. Maybe you need some extra Vitamin C in your diet (good for healing)....and maybe something soothing and healing to coat the skin as well (I'm sure you've tried things but just in case you haven't I thought I'd mention it). Be sure you try to get enough rest too, otherwise healing can be slow just because of the body being overtaxed. I know with 3 little ones rest may be elusive! :) And finally - when she does nurse, you might need to correct her latch so that the biting is not taking place and the injured skin is not being irritated or scraped.

One thing to bear in mind is the fact that babies and moms are both wired naturally for extended nursing (which of course takes place after teeth have sprouted). I'm not saying you shouldn't go ahead and wean if it's really the time for you and your child, but just wanted to let you know that she is still deriving HUGE benefits from even small amounts of mama milk, things that she can never get from cow's milk (which is made to suit baby cows, not humans).

I enjoy drinking milk, don't get me wrong, but I know realistically it's not the greatest thing for human consumption and many people have problems related to dairy even if they aren't full-out lactose intolerant. The only thing that redeems milk and milk products is using raw unprocessed milk, so the helpful things in it aren't killed by pasteurization or other processing. You can find wonderful whole raw milk at Whole Foods usually, or at local dairies, or at www.organicpastures.com (a dairy in Fresno that also will ship to consumers). The Organic Pastures brand is the best we have tried so far (we buy it at WF). Incidentally, if a milk is labeled organic but is still pasteurized, it's not really organic any more (in case this is something that matters to you).

One more thing to keep in mind is that "nursing strikes" are not uncommon at all as a baby grows older and gets more busy and adventurous. It doesn't mean they don't care or that they don't still need and benefit from their mama's human milk, but is simply a stage they pass through, like many others. Not sure if this could be the case with your daughter, but figured it was worth mentioning before you decide to wean based on her behavior. She's pretty young to be weaning already (the AMA recommends 1 year as the MINIMUM, but 2 years as being better, for nursing) so that's why a nursing strike occurred to me. Just thought you'd want to know so you can make the most informed decision. You might already know all this - and if so, sorry for repeating info you already have! :)

Best of luck to you in deciding what to do and how to do what's best for your baby (and you)! Have a wonderful Christmas!

Blessings,
S.

For yourself, I would wean gradually. Going from nursing 8 times a day to nothing would be too uncomfortable! But, it sounds like you have already started weaning gradually if she is not nursing as often, so once you and she are ready, you'll know. You can nurse 3 times a day, twice, then once, and none, and presto, you'll be there! Best of luck!

DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY!! You could develop an infection called mastitis (sp?) and it is VERY painful. If you want your child to stop nursing cold turkey, then at least pump once and day, then every other day, etc until you are gradually not producing milk anymore. Believe me, you'll be glad you did!

That can be a hard question - cause it is answered by "it depends". It depends on the baby and you! One of my children weaned himself ... the other one went cold turkey - which was very hard on me! Some people keep up the night time nursing for awhile until the baby shows they dont need it any more...you could just try nursing one side only before bed. Or you could initiate another bedtime ritual....cuddle with a book or something.
Good luck!