weaning advice

michaelaskedlauren

Good morning ladies - I was originally going to post this on the BF board, but I thought Id try my luck here first.

I am struggling with how to approach weaning DS. He is almost 17 months old, and only really nurses before bed, and in the morning every now and then. I know that he doesnt *need* to nurse before bed, because he goes down fine if DH or the nanny puts him to sleep for the night. But if I am the one putting him down he freaks out if I dont nurse him.

I know the logical thing would be for just DH to put him to sleep, but I honestly love that quiet snuggle time with him. Is there any way for me to still get that special time with him without him being attached to my boob for 10 mins before I put in the crib? Any advice would be appreciated!

Also, for the 2nd time+ moms who still nursed while in the early stages of pregnancy, were your boobs tender? We are TTC and the first time my boobs killed before I got my BFP. And now Im playing mind games with myself just waiting for them to feel extra sensitive rather than just POAS like a logical person. Sigh.

 

pdilly2b

I weaned DS completely at about 23 month. The morning feeding was the last of ours to go. What worked for leaving out the nighttime one was having a really solid evening routine and making it so nursing was not the last thing before being put down. It was something like bath then nurse then brush teeth then read books. Once that's really established, skip right from bath to brushing teeth then reading books. To get rid of the morning one, I just told DS that mommy didn't have any milk and he cried but then he asked for milk in a sippy and we did that for like 2 days and then he didn't even want that any more. It's been 2 months since we stopped and I don't feel like our close time is any worse off, which was my big fear. He does like to pat my breasts and say "Mama, no milk", which is actually quite hilarious. Like I need a reminder.

MrsWindyCity

DS1 was a couple months younger than your DS when I weaned, and I had DH  put DS1 to bed for about a week. So, I didn't get that time for a week (and honestly it would have been fine after like 4 days probably), but after that, I did. DH and I alternated (still do) reading with him before bed/putting him to bed. I don't think I could have done it any other way, honestly. If you do go that route I would advise leaving the house for a bit though because his crying really broke me that first night - which is also why I knew I couldn't put him to bed without nursing - I would have given in.

mexicolombiana

DD#2 is 16 months old and is not going to appreciate being weaned any time soon.  She cries "BOOT BOOT" when she wants to BF or she cries "booty".  As long as I have the booty she's gonna want it! 

I have to be reminded that I will not be breastfeeding her into kindergarden.

I think we'll start trying to wean in a few months.  I've tried denying her the "boot" but she goes nuts and I always give in.  My husband thinks it's hilarious.  Anyway I have no idea how w'ere going to wean but we'll have to figure it out soon I guess.  

DaisyJanie

I chickened out and weaned him from the nighttime feeding at 17 months by switching to a bottle. He wouldn't drink milk from a sippy or cup (still won't) and I felt that he still needed the milk, but I was ready to be done. We had a good evening routine of nursing, brush teeth, read stories, sing a song, and go to bed. So I just switched out the nursing to a bottle. This lasted until 22 months, when I got rid of the bottle entirely. I offered a cup of milk instead, even though I knew he wouldn't drink it. The funny part is he still wants that cup of milk to be there. I pour him a tiny bit of milk in a cup and he carries it to the bedroom and puts it on a table, and then we proceed with the reading books, etc. 

shannm

When I wanted to wean from the before bed session, I started focusing her more on books and actual cuddling. I also relied on her pacifier. She was about 13 months and she did fine. It was the middle of the night comfort nursing that she was more pissed about. But after one or two nights of patting her on the back and letting her fuss a bit, she did fine.

If I were you, I would try to add something new to your routine, like a lullaby or some rocking or swaying. I also would be prepared that he may have to cry a bit. Maybe you could put him down, let him fuss for five minutes and then go in a reassure him but don't pick him up. I bet he'll catch on pretty quick.