I used to think that no one can be more addicted to breast milk than my first born. That kid used to breastfeed non stop. He would even sleep while his lips sucked my nipples. I thought it would be hard to wean him off breast milk. Thankfully, it took only 3 days for him to get over them. Now he looks at them like they did not even help him survive his first year of life.
Now, my second son is another story. He loves to breastfeed as much as his older brother. He eats when he is hungry, cranky or just sleepy. However, there is a difference between his brother and him. My second son clearly enjoys the nipple more than the milk itself. Whenever I breastfeed him, he takes comfort in nibbling on my nipples. He even reaches out to my other nipple and starts playing with it. I find it endearing.
My first son was a milkaholic. He loved milk. But it did not have to be breast milk only. I could feed him a bottle of soy milk and he would be happy.
My second son on the contrary is a breastoholic. He needs the breast more than the milk. He enjoys milk if served in a cup. But he does not necessarily live for it.
The reason why my second son is such a breastoholic is that the first thing he ate minutes, seconds after he was born was my breast milk. Right after being delivered, he was in my arms suckling. My first son, unfortunately enjoyed formula at the hospital because he had to be in intensive care unit right after his birth. I think he breastfed a day after his birthday. Then the older he was getting, he had other things to fall back on such as his pacifier or the baby bottle.
His younger brother does not even accept a bottle or a pacifier. It is like he hates everything made of latex. His pediatrician says that he enjoys the real deal aka my breast. I understand the feeling but it is so hard with him. Going out becomes a hassle. And I cannot leave him with anyone else because he does not accept the bottle. Thankfully he is growing up and eating food. He is even drinking in a sippy cup. Yet, the breast is his security blanket. He needs it to feel comfy, safe. He cannot even sleep without it.
My husband believes that I will have a serious problem weaning him off the breast milk. I have my fears that this battle is going to be longer than the 3 days I endure with his brother. But I will keep my fingers crossed and try hard. And if my method does not work, I can always try to draw a scary picture on my breasts like one of my friend did successfully to wean her daughter.
