I'm ready to wean, DS is not... what to do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Actually - that could be true, the longer you nurse the higher the kid's IQ. Look it up - 3-5 IQ points for ex. bfeeding. If you take fish oils while preg. and nursing it goes up another 3-5. Not too bad a side-effect...

But those extra IQ points will be shot once he starts drinking!

Not to bash BFing (I did it myself for 12 mo.), but I always question statistics like these (the IQ stats. above) - can one really truly say that BFing for X months really increases a score - surely there are thousands of other variables in a child's life - family "eagerness" in learning, education opportunities, health, demeanor, nature v. nurture debate, attention span, maturity, hobbies, interests, older siblings to "inspire", where a family lives, and the list goes on.

And who even looks at IQ scores and what the hec do they mean? I would think SATs, AP scores, etc. would be more applicable.

[Anonymous]

OP, my mom breastfed us back when it wasn't as popular to do so. There were no pumps readily available, nor real lactation support, so she was around for every single feeding. She is proud that she did her part and quit when we teethed. So, she made it to 6 months, and no longer.

I share this as comparison to today...many on this post would probably scoff at my mom today, but she felt proud of herself. When I got pregnant, I had that same number in my head--then realized that the new recs are for a year. So the goalpost has moved!

My take: if you can stand it, try to hold on. Its better healthwise, much cheaper, and more convenient, imo. But it is not EASIER, that's for sure.

Take it to the point where you won't have any regrets or doubts, so you can look back with pride on this gift that you gave your son. Only you can decide when that is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:... I'm wondering how others have dealt with this decision. I keep going back and forth wondering if I'm being selfish for wanting to quit or if I just need to trudge forward with a bit of tough love?

Another issue is that we're in one bedroom apartment right now and DS will soon be moving into his own room. I don't want to have to keep waking up a couple times a night to nurse him in his own room. In our small quarters, I've been able to pick him up from his crib in our room and quickly nurse him back to sleep. Any insight?

I've wrestled with the same decision, but my son's almost 1. I think any time it's the mom's decision, there's bound to be guilt, so you have to decide whether you'll be able to handle it. (I'll admit, I'm a wuss for my baby's cries and will keep going for now, but will re-evaluate as 2009 progresses.)

As for the second issue, I'd recommend moving DS first. My son dropped his night feedings at 4 months, right after we moved him to his own room. I think asking your baby to get used to a new environment at the same time you're weaning is bound to be traumatic and/or lead to some sleepless nights for everyone. If you can, transition him to the room, see if he drops the night feedings on his own, and then you can slowly substitute formula in for daytime feedings.