Weaning? Need input please! :'(

SandiaPinaMama

LO is 13 months.  Around a year we went from 4 nursing sessions a day to two--wake up and go to bed.  He had no objections to this.  For the past two weeks though, I have had these insane days at work, and I have gone from working 2 days a week to 5.  I leave before LO gets up, so that effectively dropped the AM feeding, but I nursed him in the AM over this weekend (which he was very happy about). 

The problem is that at night, he nurses for like two seconds and falls asleep.  I tried moving dinner earlier, but I can't seem to get it on the table before 5:30, he eats really slowly for like an hour, and bedtime ranges from 7 to 8.  No matter how long it's been since he ate, what time it is, whether or not he has a bath, he nurses so briefly.  I have a hard time getting him to take both sides, and as a result, I think I may be nearly dry on my left.  After he nurses for a few minutes, he unlatches, pushes me away, and flails around until I put him in his crib.  Then he sighs and goes immediately to sleep before I can even get out of the room.  

If we could make it the next few weeks, it would be summer break from school, and I could drop the evening feeding and keep the morning.  But I am just forcing things?  Should I just let him wean?  I don't really feel ready, but he doesn't seem to care. 

Any suggestions?

pepomntpat

If you aren't ready can you wake LO early and nurse before you leave? I know some babies would handle this better than others.  DD also has all but dropped the bedtime session and does most of her nursing in the AM.  

pixieprincss

It sounds like he's letting you know his needs---nursing for a few sips from one side.  If you can alternate the side you offer each day or session, that might help things  keep flowing. That said, my MW was telling me that her DD nursed just once a week for quite awhile and her breasts kept up with just that. My DS hasn't been nursing too much more than what you describe (he stays on longer, but doesn't suck enough to need to swallow), but when he was sick or teething his molars and wanted more, he ended up getting my supply back up temporarily. I think offering when you want to and letting him decide yes or no is a natural, gentle way to approach it, as is responding to his request if you are game when he "asks" (says it, signs, pulls your shirt, etc.). Also, have you tried offering to nurse for comfort when he falls, gets a bump, is distressed, etc.? That path doesn't feel right for every mom, but if it feels right for you--give it a try!

SandiaPinaMama

pixieprincss:

It sounds like he's letting you know his needs---nursing for a few sips from one side.  If you can alternate the side you offer each day or session, that might help things  keep flowing. That said, my MW was telling me that her DD nursed just once a week for quite awhile and her breasts kept up with just that. My DS hasn't been nursing too much more than what you describe (he stays on longer, but doesn't suck enough to need to swallow), but when he was sick or teething his molars and wanted more, he ended up getting my supply back up temporarily. I think offering when you want to and letting him decide yes or no is a natural, gentle way to approach it, as is responding to his request if you are game when he "asks" (says it, signs, pulls your shirt, etc.). Also, have you tried offering to nurse for comfort when he falls, gets a bump, is distressed, etc.? That path doesn't feel right for every mom, but if it feels right for you--give it a try!

That's interesting food for thought.  Thanks.