Of weaning gently
Today is the mother's day celebration in Sweden so I hope you'll forgive me for yet another mushy and sentimental post. I just wanted to post this poem that I discovered a few weeks ago and instantly fell in love with. It's about weaning but even moms who don't or didn't breastfeed will be able to relate, I promise - just read it all the way until the end.
Wean Me Gently
by Cathy Cardall
I know I look so big to you,
Maybe I seem too big for the needs I have.
But no matter how big we get,
We still have needs that are important to us.
I know that our relationship is growing and changing,
But I still need you. I need your warmth and closeness,
Especially at the end of the day
When we snuggle up in bed.
Please don't get too busy for us to nurse.
I know you think I can be patient,
Or find something to take the place of a nursing;
A book, a glass of something,
But nothing can take your place when I need you.
Sometimes just cuddling with you,
Having you near me is enough.
I guess I am growing and becoming independent,
But please be there.
This bond we have is so strong and so important to me,
Please don't break it abruptly.
Wean me gently,
Because I am your mother,
And my heart is tender.
There are several methods of weaning a baby from breastfeeding. The cold turkey method calls for the mother to go on a vacation for a few days or longer, so that the child learns quickly to find other means of comfort. Another depends mostly on the child to outgrow his/her need for nursing, and this process is much slower and more gradual and especially for children who are very dependent on this special bond with their mothers. I've been thinking that maybe toddlers have their own ways of weaning their moms as well?
I've seen Annika climb down the flight of steps in front of her daycare going to the playground, all by herself. Sure, she held on to the railing the entire time, but she didn't need anybody's help. Compare this with how she acts when she knows I'm right behind her, she will pause in front of a step and hold up her hand, fully expecting me to help her up/down a single step. And when Gilian was still here, she used to take out Annika to the playground and Annika would walk and run around enjoying herself, but the instant I joined them she would hold her arms up, wanting to be carried. I think she knows that if she grows up too quickly her old mother will be devastated, and therefore acts more baby-ish and clingy around me as of to reassure me that yes, I am still needed. She's quite perceptive, isn't she? :-)
Wean Me Gently
by Cathy Cardall
I know I look so big to you,
Maybe I seem too big for the needs I have.
But no matter how big we get,
We still have needs that are important to us.
I know that our relationship is growing and changing,
But I still need you. I need your warmth and closeness,
Especially at the end of the day
When we snuggle up in bed.
Please don't get too busy for us to nurse.
I know you think I can be patient,
Or find something to take the place of a nursing;
A book, a glass of something,
But nothing can take your place when I need you.
Sometimes just cuddling with you,
Having you near me is enough.
I guess I am growing and becoming independent,
But please be there.
This bond we have is so strong and so important to me,
Please don't break it abruptly.
Wean me gently,
Because I am your mother,
And my heart is tender.
There are several methods of weaning a baby from breastfeeding. The cold turkey method calls for the mother to go on a vacation for a few days or longer, so that the child learns quickly to find other means of comfort. Another depends mostly on the child to outgrow his/her need for nursing, and this process is much slower and more gradual and especially for children who are very dependent on this special bond with their mothers. I've been thinking that maybe toddlers have their own ways of weaning their moms as well?
I've seen Annika climb down the flight of steps in front of her daycare going to the playground, all by herself. Sure, she held on to the railing the entire time, but she didn't need anybody's help. Compare this with how she acts when she knows I'm right behind her, she will pause in front of a step and hold up her hand, fully expecting me to help her up/down a single step. And when Gilian was still here, she used to take out Annika to the playground and Annika would walk and run around enjoying herself, but the instant I joined them she would hold her arms up, wanting to be carried. I think she knows that if she grows up too quickly her old mother will be devastated, and therefore acts more baby-ish and clingy around me as of to reassure me that yes, I am still needed. She's quite perceptive, isn't she? :-)