Why I Decided It Was Time to Wean My Fourth Baby — After 8 Years of Nursing
- Monica Bencomo
- Jan 13
- 2 min read
After breastfeeding my four babies over a total of 8 years, I've finally decided it's time to stop and wean my fourth baby. This decision was not an easy one to come by though. Although I missed out on things like date night without leakage, my autonomy, and freedom that comes with not breastfeeding, I cherish the bond it's provided for my babies and I.
I'm feeling a roller coaster of emotions. From sadness at a season ending to excitement to a new one emerging.
But that's life. Nothing stays the same. Everything is in constant flux. And my weaning my fourth baby has reminded me to be in the present moment and enjoy each season as much as possible because even with breastfeeding challenges (less sleep, having to pull out the girls in public because they demanded a snack while out and about, etc), I already miss some aspects of the bond.
Here are three ways I knew it was time for me to wean:
Breastfeeding started to become enjoyable
Around when my fourth baby, my son turned 3, nursing slowly but surely started to feel more like a burden and less organic. Nursing began to feel like something my three year old was doing solely to soothe himself, which led me to feeling more like a human pacifier as opposed to his mom.
My son became less interested
This can be seen as more so "baby led weaning" because I started to see less of an interest from my boy to nurse as I had less of an interest. I noticed I had longer stretches of time between homeschooling, play dates, and errands before he demanded a ta-ta. I silently rejoiced in this, knowing it was getting us closer to weaning.
It felt right
Intuition. Discernment. It's a gift I thank God I have everyday. This point is incredibly simple: weaning my toddler felt right. So although parts of me are saddened our breastfeeding journey is ending, I also have peace about it because my discernment says it's time.
There you have it, mamas. 3 ways I knew it was time to wean my fourth baby after 8 years of breastfeeding.
How did you decide it was time to wean if you nursed? Let me know in the comments below.
Need a program to feel your best postpartum? Start here.
XO,
Monica
I only nursed 6 months bc I had to go back to work but I knew it was time when pumping became to stressful 😒
I feel you. I nursed my oldest until he was 4. I knew he was my last baby so I wanted to enjoy it to. Go mama!
thanks for sharing, Monica! I understand how you feel. I breastfed my two kiddos 2.5 years each...I miss it too.
Just saw your ig post and it led me to this...all i can say is i get it!! i just weaned my LO and it was harder on me emotionally than i thought.