Weaning Time?

As the first year of my boy’s life comes to a close I look back and wonder where the last 12 months have gone. What happened to my 8 lb baby boy with all this gangly arms and legs flailing? Instead he has been replaced by this big, beautiful and active toddler who is days from walking completely unaided and perhaps weeks from speaking his first real words. A year ago I could not imagine breastfeeding for more than a few days – weeks tops; and now, a year later, I have to begin to think about weaning my child.

I don’t HAVE to wean him now, as there many “experts” who say breastfeeding for two years is optimal, but the way we live in North America makes it a challenge to continue nursing much past the first year. Would I want to continue even if I could? Hmm, I just don’t know. How do you know when the time is right to stop breastfeeding? There are so many factors at play. Most importantly, how do you wean when you are not sure if your baby is ready for it?

It is going to be difficult weaning Harrison, as nursing is probably his most favourite thing in the world. How will I manage to deal with the guilt knowing that I am depriving my little love of the experience that he most cherishes and feels comforted by? While I am 70% ready to begin weaning, as there are things in my life that demand it sooner than later, there is still a part of me that loves those quiet moments with my boy and it tears at my heart to know that they will soon come to an end. I hear of moms who could not wait to stop breastfeeding and I think that made it a little easier – why can’t/don’t I feel like that? How do I know when the time is right and how do I do this? It seems like the hardest thing I have ever been faced with.

If you are a mom who breastfed I’d love to get your comments/suggestions on weaning and how to make it an easier transition time for baby and mom.