Post-Breastfeeding, Bonding & Self-Soothing

Hey Mommas, so let’s get into post breastfeeding and bonding. I don’t know about you mommas out there that have weaned before, but that too is a journey and a process. As you know I started my weaning shortly after his 2nd birthday and I allowed the weaning at 1st to be baby-led. I thought that would be better for him, because he’s still able to get as much important nutrients needed from breast milk for brain development. As we know most important ages are 1-3 because our children are so absorbent mentally. At the time, I didn’t realize or fully know how extensive or demanding breastfeeding would become. Things I didn’t know to consider, was his independence was becoming widened, more mobile, which means he can now help himself to breastfeed multiple times a day irregardless to how I felt, if I needed a break, or was busy to him none of that mattered. That is when I realized somethings gotta give, it then turned in to co-led weaning, and I only fed when I agreed to feeding him. We slowly removed breastfeeding 1 at a time day by day and provided his absolute favorite snacks, popcorn, ICE(popsicles), chips, dum dum lollipops on hands. I made it a point to cook him all 3 meals a day and give him options if he picks it more than likely he’ll eat it. I also made it a point to distract him. He loves outdoors, cars and activities, I’d let him go outside everyday when weather is appropriate. He has numerous playmates, his 4 cousins age ranges from 5-11 so that alone was a huge help for me and a distraction in itself. He slightly breastfeeds now, only in the mid morning hours between 2-5, very rarely morning feedings if so 8am is his cut off after that its “UP” time. Now less feeding can mean more tantrums because I act as his pacifier, his soother, his confidant and everything else. We’re currently working on other ways to self-soothe, we cuddle, watch movies, super affectionate when he feels like he needs extra love, we play together, have dance parties, he loves music, and WHITE NOISE like rain is amazing or calming sounds work for him. I am the first one in my family to full on breastfeed. This journey is not only new to me, but also to my support system around me. They’ve all learned so much from me, thanks for their guidance and aiding me throughout this entire journey has been nothing short of amazing. Although they did wish they could have fed him more, that’s a topic of discussion for next week. okay Mommas, chime in and let me know What was your weaning experience like and how did you cope with it?