Boundaries are tough. It’s easy to say that you will be able to set and keep boundaries, until that day comes. As soon as your child cries or complains the likelihood of caving in to toddler demands is indisputable.
This is the same for breastfeeding boundaries. When we talk about breastfeeding boundaries, we are referring to those times when you feel touched out or overwhelmed and feel like you need to gain control over the breastfeeding relationship. How does it even get to this point, anyway?
I’ll give you some examples.
Your toddler is still breastfeeding and you have another baby. All of a sudden you realize that feeding both is just too much but you don’t want to wean completely.
You are working full-time and your baby is over a year and you want to stop pumping and just nurse the baby in the morning and before bed.
These are just 2 of the scenarios that have come up with families I work with. Sometimes you aren’t ready to wean yet, but you are ready to create some structure around the breastfeeding relationship that has always been on demand. This is ok, but setting boundaries can be a challenge. A necessary challenge, but a challenge nonetheless. You are already creating boundaries in your every day life as a mom, but you may not realize it. Think about your daily routine, where you may have boundaries set and how you came about that. Think about how this impacts your life and your baby’s life. Will it be a tough adjustment for either of you? Probably. But that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. You will be setting boundaries your entire parenting life; might as well start somewhere.
Tune in to the Badass Breastfeeding Podcast this week and get some great suggestions on how to create boundaries, if that is what you need. Keep listening for the ongoing support Dianne and Abby can offer.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/episodes/701815-038-breastfeeding-boundaries
http://www.thebadassbreastfeeder.com/8-tips-for-breastfeeding-with-boundaries/#more-3707
