Today, while I was driving, I thought I should really start weaning Sophia and decided to have her completely weaned by the end of October. And, as I thought that, I got really sad. The surprise? I realized how much I have enjoyed nursing my baby. Before Sophia was born, I thought nursing was rather weird and gross and I was SO not looking forward to having to do that. I was going to try it, since it's the best for the baby, but geeze, I was really hating the thought of having to do that. And then Sophia came. And even though I was freaked out in the beginning of nursing to nurse with anyone around, I figured things out. And, I loved it. I've really enjoyed nursing. I'm sure it has helped that everything went perfectly smooth - no mentionable engorgement, no mastitis, no latching problems, no pains, no cracks or soreness, no lack of milk...just pure perfection. I lucked out -clearly. And now, the day is coming that this has to stop. I was just surprised that I felt sad at the thought of quitting.
And since it makes me sad, you may wonder why I'd want to quit. Well, I won't indulge you with detailed explanations, but in essence, I think Sophia is basically done. Not that she shuns the breast, but she just doesn't seem to care too much anymore, and even at night she is usually fine with either a bottle or the breast. And, since Sophia is ok with a change, I think I should get my body back in shape and move on with my life. I think it'll be a good change, but I know I'll miss holding my baby close and sharing that special bond. Speaking of which, since we had that debate about covering up for nursing or not, here are a few more reasons that popped in my head for why nursing covered is not ideal.
One of the things that has made nursing special for me is having Sophia and I looked at each other while she nurses. There is something special about holding your baby close and gazing at each other. As she got older she loved exploring my face while nursing. She'd touch my lips, eye lashes , nose, teeth etc. It's just nice. However, if you cover your baby up, not only can you not share that special time/bond with your baby, you also shut your baby out from everything that's going on around them. Not very nice. So, while I still think it's nice to cover up if possible with guys around, I think covering up all the time, or at any situation where it's not necessary, it just a horrible thing. It must be horrible for the baby being under a cover all the time, and I think it must be horribly hampering the special nursing bond between a mother and child. So there. That's my last little bit on nursing, and now wish me well in my weaning. I'm sure Sophia will be fine. I just hope I will be. :(
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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6 comments:
A few weeks ago we were at some outdoor event and I saw a hispanic woman walking down the street and nursing her baby (uncovered obviously) while walking and talking to her husband while two or three kids followed along. I was very impressed by her skills. Of course, she didn't seem to care that nursing uncovered while walking really maximizes that number of people you expose yourself to.
Does anyone know if nursing while walking is common in any hispanic culture or if this woman was just gifted?
There are nursing covers that allow yourself to see your baby and vice versa. I had one of those, and I loved it, especially for church. Having said this, nursed publicly in parks and outdoors, or at my home, or at friend's homes. But I did use the cover at restaurants, etc, just to not gross out other people. I've also had Fé nurse while walking (she was in a wrap). I think it's very common in African and Asian cultures. Guess South American cultures, too.
Also, I hope you don't think that special bonding time and holding your baby close will end now that you wean her. I think if you make a special effort to cuddle intimately during a particular part of day, that'll always stay with you, whether you are nursing or not.
I just got one of those nursing covers Isa. And the cuddling definitely won't stop. I'm not even sure what made me sad about weaning. Maybe it's feeling like my baby is no baby anymore, or something like that...it just made me sad. But, luckily, one of the things Sophia loves to do, is to cuddle with me in bed after she wakes up in the morning. I love it!!!!!
And, yeah I heard about South American cultures nursing while walking.
I loved your thoughts, Fran. I heard that new babies can first see just about the distance between where they are cradled to nurse and their mom's face. Do you know if that is true?
Sophia is a wonderful wee lovely baby (who loves me, which makes her extra special. I love you Sophia. Here is a kiss from your grandma.
Your baby is sooo sweet - she's got so cute hair!!!! You're such a cool family, I love to spy on your blog!!! When you're in Germany again, maybe you're in the mood of visiting us??? ;-)
You really nursed Sophia for a looong time! I think most women in our culture don't nurse more than 6 months!!! You can really be proud - super mom!!!
By the way - Steve took some really intimidating pictures of me walking with Luzie in our Manduca and nursing her... With the right carrier it's an easy thing to do... but -for me- only if nobody else is around (at least no male...) ;-)
This may surprise you, since I was one of the more pro-covering-up voices in the previous conversation on this subject. But I totally love indulging in that one-on-one interaction with my baby (and I do it when I'm in a private setting), and wonder if my son thinks it's "blöd" that he has to go under the blanket when others are around.
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