I originally sent the post, "Annie's Weaning" to the list and I have
received many responses.  Interestingly, about half of the responses are
sympathetic, and the other half, not-so-sympathetic.

When I first read the poem, I thought that if I had seen this 10 years
ago, I might have nursed my son longer, (he weaned at 2.5 years.)  The
mother's sorrow and grief is very real and I can relate to that.

Now that I'm older and wiser (and don't care what my family thinks
anymore) I am able to nurse my third child longer, for as long as he and
I wish to, he is now 3.5 years and nurses about 2 - 3 times a day, and
asks for a drink of water right after.

This poem gave me the resolve to help other mothers avoid experiencing
the grief over premature weaning.  I see this poem as a strong statement
about the external pressures that will coerce a mother into doing
something that causes her and her child pain, even if she may or may not
be ready to wean.

Thanks for all your great comments.  I've enjoyed reading them, while
snuggling with my son.  By the way, my two younger kids nursed beyond 3
years and when my oldest gets them angry, they will occasionally say,
"Yeah, but you only nursed for 2 years, nyah nyah."  Talk about sibling
rivalry!


Warmly,
Heidi S. Roibal
Albuquerque, New Mexico

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