No more "de-de"

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (November). For this month, we focus on extended breastfeeding. Participants will share their experiences and tips on breastfeeding their child/ren beyond 12 months. Please scroll down to the end of the post and check out the other carnival participants."


My first son seemed to have weaned himself at 10 months. But because it was such a struggle in the beginning (read HERE), I wanted to have nursed him longer...and I got my wish. An additional two months. I stopped nursing P when he turned one because I got a really bad case of the runs.

A few years after (2004), we had baby number 2, K. I just went with the flow with this guy, took it a day at a time. Little did I realize...he was nearly turning four.

Horrors. Nearly four and still nursing. While I am totally for extended nursing, I just felt that I wanted my body back already. Anyway, he seemed like a confident little bugger (didn't cry once when I left him at school, made so many friends, and wanted to go to all the birthday parties he got invited to) so I figured it would be okay to wean him.

And so that the day would be busy, I chose his fourth birthday. (I didn't choose the second nor the third because I wasn't ready at all. S and I were on the fence about this kid being our 2nd and last, and I wasn't going to ever nurse nor wear him again, I just let it go.)

A few weeks before his fourth birthday, I talked to him already. I told him that he was a big boy, and that come his fourth birthday, no more "dede" because big boys don't. Of course, my angelic looking little boy would just nod yes, considering he wanted to be a big boy like his kuya.

When the day of reckoning came, it went so well! He was busy with his birthday party, and maxxed out by the time he remembered to "dede".

Except that sometime in the middle of the night, he got up (he still does, every now and then) and sneaked into our bed, and made -- "dede".

It wasn't an easy thing to do, weaning. Only because I wasn't firm enough. I had so many issues:

• he was going to be our last kid, I'd miss nursing
• I wanted my body back
• my husband wanted me back
• he was sneaking into the bed at night

Now, nearly three years after that particular birthday, with K turning 7 soon, I remember those days with fondness. K takes after his paternal grandfather, stubborn, strong-willed, knows how to use his charm. I believe that those four long years nursing him, laid down (dear grammar police, please correct this if I am wrong) the foundations of our relationship. There are days we would argue to no end (I try 99% not to give in and win most of the time--I mean, he still *is* 6, right?), but both of us know in our heart of hearts, that however mad we are at each other, we still love each other.

I will always cherish that breastfeeding relationship.

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Do check out the other wonderful stories on extended breastfeeding by the participants! Check these links out!


My Mommyology - My Extended Breastfeeding Experience
Mommyluscious - Breastfeeding for Two Beyond Two
Truly Rich Mom - On Extended Breastfeeding (a perfectly normal thing to do)
Life of a Babywearing and Breastfeeding Mommy - Still breastfeeding after 2 years
Got To Believe - Breastfeeding Room Story

Apples and Dumplings - My Constant Challenge with Extending Breastfeeding

Mommy Kuwentos - Challenges and Rewards of Extended Breastfeeding

The Odyssey of Dinna - Nurturing Rafael: Extended Breastfeeding, Stretching Some More Lovin'

Legally Mom - Breastfeeding Beyond 1 Year: Barriers and Issues

Homeschooling Mommy - Yes, I've Got Milk

SOlovelyN - As long as he wants, I can
Touring Kitty - Extended Breastfeeding is Possible
SassyBiatcheMom's World - 1.4 and still breastfeeding

Mec as Mom - Shooting for the Benefits, Extending the Love
Chronicles of a Nursing Mom - Barriers/Myths vs. Extended Breastfeeding