Merry Christmas

weaning

I'm just about to that point....

I'm trying to wean Ethan from breastfeeding and I'm feeling pretty good about it this time around. When Jackson was little he really pretty much weaned himself starting at about 6-7 months old. Once he got the taste of real food, he didn't want much else except real food and bottles. I was crushed when he didn't need me anymore. I can remember standing in the kitchen telling Richard about how sad it made me and telling him that "He just don't understand." It really is a special bond between mom/baby and something that dad's just don't "get."

Now, Ethan is 7 months old and at his last well child check up, he wasn't even 15 pounds...a mere 2% in the growth percentage. Underweight. While Dr. J didn't come right out and say that I needed to stop with the breastfeeding, he did strongly suggest that he needed more than what I could give him.

So, with that info., Ethan is now on straight formula during the daytime and still breastfed at night. I can't completely give it up yet. I'm not ready to. He's only nursing 1-2 times a day now, so I know it won't be long.

I can remember when I stopped with Jackson my hormones were a MESS for awhile, and I'm so dreading that part of it all this time around. Also, with Jackson I never took the time to remember that last time, because frankly, I didn't know it was the last time with Jackson. But with Ethan, things will be different. I'm going to remember the last time with him. I need that, for myself.

Since Ethan has been on only formula, he's gained 1 pound in 1 week. He's now at 15 pounds, 10 ounces, and he seems happier now too. I needed to do what was best for him and for that, I'm happy!