A friend told me this weekend that a friend of hers weaned her wee baby of four months from nighttime feeding. I did a double take. At four months? She just stopped feeding her babe at night? Indeed that was the case. WOW! It blew my mind. Personally I would feel major guilt issues of not providing enough nourishment for such a young lil’ one.
And, yet, the part of the conversation that really got me was when I asked why. My friend said the mother’s reason was, “Well, we gotta get some sleep at SOME point.” UGHHHH.
Yes, sleep deprivation can take its toll. Yes, babies are a LOT of work. But, oh I don’t know what words to say! It just made me feel sick in the pit of my stomach to think of a lil’ baby crying from hunger and the parents putting their wants ahead of their child’s needs.
I actually enjoy the nighttime feeding. I just finished feeding Anna. I think she’s softer at night. It’s so quiet. Just me and her. I love the drunk look on her face as she eats. Eyes rolled back with her eyelids dozing. I remember enjoying those quiet moments with Sarah and Ellen, too.
Plus, what about a fresh dry bum? Ugh…I just don’t understand sometimes. And I don’t expect everyone to do everything the same. Four months just seemed wayyyy to young to be cut off from mama.
February 26, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Oh mama… i am in agreement with you. 4 months is way to young. I have a confession though… Hope is 9 months and I still enjoy that nighttime feeding.. right before laying her in her bed for a good nights sleep. She smells so sweet and that is our alone time together to just cuddle. I will cherish these moments until Hope decides she is finished with the feedings. We need to stop and remember how fast they grow.. how time just flies by. They will only be this age once.. and it really should be a time of special bonding.