Hey friends, so I nursed my little one for three and a half years. Yep, you read that right! And honestly, I couldn’t care less about what anyone thinks. I anticipated that weaning would be a challenge, but what I didn’t expect was how much he still wanted to be close to me—especially when it came to my breasts. It makes sense; they were a source of comfort for him for so long. But let me tell you, it can get annoying! One of the big reasons I decided to wean him was that I was feeling super “touched out.”
The Weaning Process
When I first thought about weaning, I was nervous. I never imagined I’d be nursing a toddler, and he seemed so attached to it. Surprisingly, the weaning process went quickly, leading me to think he might have been more ready than I realized. But even after giving up nursing, he still wasn’t ready to let go of the connection with my breasts.
Now, I know this is all innocent, but sometimes I just don’t want him touching me. This is actually pretty common for toddlers who have recently weaned. Dr. Jessica Turner, a child development expert, mentions in her advice column that it’s quite typical for little ones to seek comfort from their mother’s breasts for up to a year after weaning. My son used to nurse as soon as he woke up, and I’ve noticed that he loves to snuggle close to me first thing in the morning. Even while co-sleeping, he might cuddle up to my chest for a moment, just needing that reassurance that I’m there.
Setting Boundaries
But there are times when I need my space, and as his mom, I have the right to set those boundaries. Weaning has been a great opportunity to teach him about body autonomy. I explain it like this: “You know how sometimes you don’t like it when I touch your body? Well, there are moments when I don’t want you touching mine.” He gets it, even if it makes him a little upset.
Wearing a Bra: A Game-Changer
Wearing a bra has also been a game-changer! If he can’t see my nipples, he often forgets about my breasts and is less likely to get handsy. Dr. Jessica also points out that we often overlook the fact that weaning can be a tough transition for kids. When you think about it this way, it’s clear why he still wants that connection. Sometimes he’ll come over, lay his head on my chest, and say, “I love you, boobies.” It’s almost like he’s expressing gratitude for all the comfort they provided him.
New Cuddles
Now that we’ve stopped nursing, he’s actually become more cuddly, which is a nice change. Just the other day, he cut his finger and curled up in my lap to watch a movie until he felt better. In the past, that kind of cuddling might have turned into a nursing session, and I would have felt touched out instead of cherishing that moment.
The Transition Period
The good news is that this post-weaning breast attachment isn’t forever. Dr. Jessica says it usually lasts about a year, but that can vary from child to child. In those first few months, it might feel intense, but it should gradually decrease. Just remember to acknowledge your child’s needs while setting boundaries that feel right for you. That obsession will fade eventually.
Resources for Starting a Family
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Conclusion
In summary, navigating the post-weaning phase can be tricky as toddlers often still seek comfort from their mothers. Setting boundaries is essential, and while your little one may seem attached to your breasts for a while, this phase will eventually pass. Remember to cherish the cuddles and the special moments, even as you advocate for your own needs.
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