Weaning Wednesdays: Parenthood ain't a competition

Ever since I admitted that Junior J was still co-sleeping and nursing at night... I've discovered a few things.  That co-sleeping isn't uncommon, for various reasons, and sometimes it works to ensure everyone gets enough sleep.  That there is no perfect method/time to night-wean or train a child to get used to sleeping in his own room.  That there are mums out there that are still nursing their older than 2 year old toddler.  Thank you, dear readers, for those who took the time to share your own experiences with us, it was certainly heartwarming to know that parenthood is a journey that we travel with our children, at our family's own time and pace.

And speaking of parenthood being a journey, it seems sometimes it spirals down into a competition.  "I fed my 4 month old baby water at night, and he was sleeping through the night after a week!", I'm told by a stranger at a wedding dinner.  Extended breastfeeding seems to draw as much flak as not exclusively breastfeeding for the recommended 6 months.  "He a boy... and he's already so old!  He'll become a mummy's boy next time", or "Children who breastfeed til they are much older will become introverts!". (Oh yes, perhaps he was spending too much time under the nursing cover and not interacting with other kids instead.  My poor boy.)

Also, there are the mums I know who struggle through breastfeeding (by golly, they say its supposed to be natural, but it is so darn TOUGH.  I know since I've been through it too.  Engorgement.  Mastitis.  Not enough supply.  Too much supply.  Cabbage leaves in the freezer.  Feeding a ever-hungry baby that doesn't think twice on biting.  I know, its just gums at first, but hello, there's tough bone underneath those gums.), and some have regrets about it.  And sometimes the "breast is best" mantra just makes it worse.

Then there's also what you feed your kid ("You mean you let him eat cake, and fries?").  Or the child's learning pace.  Then later there's the test results in school.  And PSLE.  And it goes on.  And on... 

Junior J at 17 weeks, still chubby.  Before he started losing weight from all the fussy eating!

For me, the nursing still continues because the boy still wants to nurse, and that is currently still the fastest and easiest way to get milk into that skinny frame of his (it is still a mini battle to make sure he drinks his cow's milk).  Nursing is also time with the little boy... I know that I do not have much time before he grows up and no longer wants to hold his mama's hand.  Some day, the sweet little boy who loves to give hugs will grow up and we will miss him, so I treasure each and every moment I have with him now.  Even though it gives me funny looks when I nurse him outside under the cover. 

Meanwhile, let's loosen up, and leave each family to journey at their own pace...  Parenthood is tough as it is without having to make all of it a competition.  And for sure, pats on the back, and timely encouragement goes a much longer way to spurring others on! :)