The Plan, Stan

I decided weaning was the right choice and then I read this:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/how_weaning_happens.html

I had intended to "see how it was done" to calm my apprehension about the two week window I have to work with. This information scared me to death. "Sudden Weaning" um, whoa! I don't want anyone to get hurt. Obviously I can't do child led weaning because surgery or not I'm not prepared to potentially breast feed for 4yrs. Which means I do a gradual wean and cross my fingers two weeks is enough time. I was feeling uneasy and alone in all this when I read this information.

It wasn't until I later discussed it with some other mommies that I felt less alienation and more resolve. I, like so many times since becoming a mother, stand at a seemingly insurmountable obstacle and think lots of other people have been here there has to be a way to get through it.

I read this Dr.Sears quote in the Le Leche League book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: "A wise baby who enjoys a happy nursing relationship is not likely to give it up willingly unless some other form of emotional nourishment is provided which is equally attractive or at least interestingly different."

Which at first seemed discouraging, but the book makes it clear that the key to weaning a baby Riley's age is substitution and distraction. So, I get a variety of appealing snacks for her to choice from and find alot of ways to keep her busy. That's seems doable even if their example of gradual weaning took six months (Yikes).

Mike and I discussed our team strategy, specifically which feeding to drop first at length. Since first and foremost we have to get this girl sleeping we decided the midnight feed was on the chopping block. I would nurse before bed and then only Mike would go into her room after that and only offer water. I also put my foot down and said she can not come to our bed anymore. She has to sleep and nurse elsewhere from now on.

You should bear in mind my post about what happens to plans in this house, but I'm determined. Good Night, fingers crossed.