In my ongoing and ever changing plan for 2011, weaning the dynamic duo from breast to cow's milk is VERY high on the agenda, as my body has basically not been my own for over 3 years. Now I want it back!
Having breastfeed my eldest for 13 months until she self weaned when I feel pregnant again, I set myself the the personal milestone to breastfeed the bubs (based on supply being forthcoming that was) for a minimum of 6 months but maximum of 12 months. Now we've reached that maximum milestone, it's time to make good on a pact with myself and commit to weaning them off the boob.
And while I can happily say that so far that things are going reasonably well, it is still fraught with angst for me. In my lack of down time juggling 3 under 3, breastfeeding was a forced, yet wonderful time and space for me to stop, sit down, focus and simply connect with the bubs.
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| holding hands |
I looked forward to it and cherished the moments of stroking their head, playing with their feet and often stopping them from poking each other in the eye. I love the ease in which a feed can provide so much nurturing and comfort when sick, tired or distressed. For me breastfeeding has simply been magical, I am have been truly blessed to be have been able to have this with all 3 of my kids. But I worry that I won't get that I'll get caught up in the day and not find time to just be with them. Not to mention what my boobs will be like post 3 years torture :o$
So now I seem to be almost fighting myself not to give into a feed, especially since in the past couple of months with their mobility and developing understanding of situations, feeding become almost comical. I'd show the duo that I had the feeding pillow, sign milk (Auslan) and sit myself down on the floor. Those two crazy kids would stop / drop what they were doing and come speed crawling, giggling their heads off toward me - who wouldn't love that?
On the flip side : feeding takes so much out of you if you're not taking the best care, and lets be honest, I'm not. Sadly part of my 2011 plan is to move 'me' up the ladder in terms of importance, hence another reason to wean. So logic, timing, health and surprisingly a lot of pressure from external parties (those who care about me) will no doubt make this happen. Not to mention the return to nice lingerie and spaghetti straps... ohh how I have missed you guys!
So Jan 2 2011 : I am grateful for the ability to breastfeed my 3 gorgeous kids, the bond is has allowed me to develop with them, all the added health benefits etc it brings and I will be brutally honest - the money it has saved me.
And how a loving big sister is being super attentive to bottles being dropped, marshaling rolling babies back onto their cushions and simply joining in on the new found fun
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