Self-Weaning

And just like that, Quinn has started self-weaning from breastfeeding! It happened suddenly and very easily. It was anti-climatic and perfect.

When our breastfeeding journey began exactly 35 months ago today, I didn't have a clue how long it would last. I also thought that it wouldn't begin with such challenges. While it only took Teagan about a week to get the hang of it, it took Quinn nearly 6 weeks. Our struggles produced many tears, on both of our ends. But true to our strong and persistent personalities, we persevered and succeeded! I think that because of our rocky beginning, I didn't want to wean them just for the sake of it (or because people say that I should wean at a certain age). Breastfeeding became very easy for the three of us. Our struggles became a distant memory and nursing became a quick and virtually effortless way to get a healthy meal or snack into the girls. It also became a wonderful bonding experience. It continues to be easy for the three of us. I have reached a point though where I would be just fine if they wanted to stop.

For the last few months, I have tried to be out of the house at bedtime once every week or two. The girls are offered some almond or coconut milk. Then one day a few weeks ago, Quinn asked for almond milk at bedtime when I was home. Then asked for it again the following night. She went for two full days of last week without nursing. And then she went back to it. Skipped it a few more times. And then went back once. It is hit and miss now. I don't offer and don't refuse, although I will gently encourage her to drink the almond milk instead.

This is how I hoped it would happen. No stress. No tears. Just good memories.