My Mom is always making comments about how I need to wean my toddler. But I'm going to let him self wean...
She never breastfed any of her children and doesn't understand the benefits of doing so at all, not to mention the benefits of doing so beyond a year. She makes very derogatory comments and says that my Aunts, Grandmother (and her, obviously) all think it's ridiculous that I'm still nursing my 18 month old son... and that I need to "cut him off". I've tried to explain the benefits to her but she thinks it's wrong to breastfeed a baby that can walk and is starting to talk. How should I handle her ignorant comments without losing it!
Advice?
1 comment:
I have this problem with friends. I plan to breastfeed until he is at least 18 months, if not longer. Ideally I would like to allow him to self-wean... I get comments all the time (and he's not even a year yet!) Mother's are a different story all together. I don't really know what to say to my friends, let alone a demeaning mother. One suggestion I got: The day we began feeding our LOs solids, we began the weaning process. That's what I tell people ("I'm in the process of weaning" no more, no less) It shuts them up. I also have joined Le Leche for support. I recommend that for you. Perhaps women with more experience than I will have some better suggestions to help you deal with your mom. It's too bad she doesn't understand what an amazing gift you are giving your son. Many countries still allow self-weaning and find it odd that we Americans wean often at 6 months. It's a shame that you do not have the support of your mom. But you will find the support you need at LLL. Do what is best for you and your baby. The rest of the world needs to take care of themselves and mind their own business.
As a side note to another comment I have read: Breastfeeding is not a sexual act. Babies do not look at breasts as grown men do. It is absurd to even think that way. Anyone who says cows milk is just as healthy as breast milk after age one has not read current research. All research points to increasaed health benefits for both baby (especially with concern to brain development) and mother the longer breast feeding continues. Most babies will self wean from a year to three years.
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