(Because you’ve gotta have a sense of humor when you breastfeed!)
A long time ago in the far away Kingdom of Royal Oak Michigan, there was a fair-haired little prince known as Prince Nurse-a-Lot.
One day, the Queen became concerned that it was time for Prince Nurse-a-Lot to face the challenge of the time of the dreaded Weaning. The Queen consulted her advisors, the Lactation Ladies in Waiting (also known more commonly as “mommies”). They advised her thus:
“Prepare him for the challenge of The Weaning by giving him other offerings, such as juice boxes, sippy cups and small toys. If necessary, one may procure him a pacifier. Be brave! One does not attain The Weaning in a matter of days. It is a journey of weeks, perhaps months!”
Thus it began. And the young prince did embrace the challenge during the daylight hours. But, alas, it was the darkness that weakened his resolve. As weeks became months, it became clear that the dark hours were his enemy.
The King decided that the Prince could not do this alone. And so, one evening, the Queen bid the King and the little Prince good night, and left them to their challenge.
Prince Nurse-a-Lot was overwrought. “Nay!” he cried, “Not the darkness! I cannot face the darkness without the magic elixir! There are monsters that keep me awake!”
“Ah, but you must be brave,” said the King, “We shall face the darkness together!”
And miraculously, after much prolonged and loud lamenting (which did awaken all the neighbors), the young Prince did finally fall asleep… without the aid of the magic elixir!
The next day, the fair-haired Prince awoke refreshed, and happily bounded out of bed demanding a juice box and cartoons. And there was much rejoicing in the Kingdom!
The end.
For a discussion forum on weaning, one good resource is La Leche League International.
