Need help with weaning my lil co-sleeper...

Kerrie - posted on 07/11/2009

When my son got his bottom 2 teeth there was an adjustment period for both of us. He had to learn to re-latch with his new teeth, And after a couple of weeks he did. And we went through it again when he got his top two, it was quite uncomfortable because he didnt know that he needed to open his mouth further to make room for those new sharp little teeth. I would feel the teeth digging into me whuile nursing. It was terrible. I just kept sticking my finger between there and and adjusting his mouth and eventually he caught on. And now we are happily nursing once again. Just stick with it. Give your baby time to adjust.

Geralyn - posted on 07/01/2009

I am weaning my almost 15 month old. We are down to nighttime nursing. When he would wake to nurse, I tried just picking him up and holding him til he would fall back asleep and then out him down on the bed. It worked at first, but they get "smarter" as you try something different. After the first 8-10 times, he started arching and crying indicating he wasn;t interested in me picking him up. I am going to keep at it. My husband is also helping. If I stumble upon something that works, I'll definitely share. I like Cassie's comment and advice...

Julie - posted on 06/30/2009

My son is almost 9 months old with 3 pairs of teeth now. We are still happily nursing. I don't feel a thing when he nurses during the night while co-sleeping. It's during the day when he gets so distracted that he squirms around while holding on with his teeth. I will cry out "ouch" very loudly when it hurts. He will stop and let go and cry out in surprise. But overall, breastfeeding is going on strong. I don't know when I will start weaning, but I plan to go at least 1 year.

Chelsea - posted on 06/17/2009

Quoting Lisa:

I nursed my daughter to sleep until she was four, I know that sounds long:) I actually had to force her to stop and wean her by only letting her every couple days until my milk dried up and she couldn't anymore. So, if you can't bear the teething I would suggest having someone else lay down with her some nights until she falls asleep and only let nurse her 3 times a week. You could pump the other nights and let her have a bottle?

Infants of this age need to nurse for nutrition not just comfort and are designed at 7 months of age to get 25% of their nutrients at night (I know this is not what your doctor tells you!).  Cutting nurslings and refusing he breast is not healthy and your infant is not old enough to handle the stress of this.  It is recommended by the World Health Organization to nurse until the "baby" is 2 years of age and beyond.  There are ways in which you can make the pain of nursing a baby with teeth lessen and then be gone altogether.  You need to teach your baby the skill of latching on with teeth, this is a perfect parenting opportunity.  I would highly recommend getting in touch with your local Le Leche League Leader or you Lactation Consultant.  Pumping will lessen your supply because it's not as efficient as your baby.  

Cassie - posted on 06/16/2009

My daughter is in the process of cutting down nursing and use to always breastfeed to fall asleep. What I have found that has worked for us is that I turn out all the lights, only let her nurse for about 5-10 a side, and while she is still half awake I move her down next to me and keep and arm wrapped around her to cuddle. The first few times she threw a fit and cried for 10 minutes top but since then she fusses only for a minute or two and then is sound asleep for the night. Good Luck!

Lisa - posted on 05/23/2009

I nursed my daughter to sleep until she was four, I know that sounds long:) I actually had to force her to stop and wean her by only letting her every couple days until my milk dried up and she couldn't anymore. So, if you can't bear the teething I would suggest having someone else lay down with her some nights until she falls asleep and only let nurse her 3 times a week. You could pump the other nights and let her have a bottle?