18 month old still breastfeeding

Ashley - posted on 12/13/2008

I just weaned my 18 month old who was only still nursing at night. I thought it was going to be impossible because he sleeps with me and has woken up multiple times throughout the night to nurse since he was born and nothing else would do when he wanted the boobies! But he had to get his 4 front teeth pulled because they were so deteriorated from the night nursing and his dentist said that it had to stop or he would need more pulled and filled! So I didi it that night that they pulled the teeth and it went surprisingly well!I would just kinda "play dead" (lol) when he woke up crying for it and after about 5-10 minutes he would fall back asleep!I wear a full coverage shirt so he can't get to them and have figured out that it's just the closeness of it he wants. He'll nestle up to any part of my bare skin he can get to (usually my arm) and sometimes I pat his but a little and he goes back to sleep. I think after the first couple nights he got the idea that he wasn't getting boobies if he woke up and eve night gets better and better, the crying shorter and less times waking up. Actually last night was the first night since he was born that he slept through the whole night! I did the daytime weaning very gradually and would just take him as soon as he woke up from his nap when he wanted it most and gave him a bite of something he really liked and just tried to keep him busy to keep his mind off of it. I wish you luck!

User - posted on 12/07/2008

Cuddling and distraction if you're truly ready to wean. I'm still nursing my 3 1/2 year old occasionally, though, and when she bumps her head or gets sick, I'm glad we do.

Amanda - posted on 12/07/2008

The snack and cuddle idea is working for me. I have an 18 month old boy, and his favorite thing in the world is nursing. It has been hard, but I have got him down to just nap and bedtime. I offer lots of affection, all of the time, and when he wakes up in the morning and afternoon we snuggle on the couch with a healthy snack and sippy of water or diluted juice. My son was sick on and of since he was 12 months, so I continued to nurse also. When you eliminate a session wait about a week to do another. It is so you don't get engorged, depressed, etc-and so he can adjust gently. I was able to get 2 feedings eliminated in 2 weeks. Of course I am at home, so that helps. Once in a while it helps to have outside distraction at the times you are trying to eliminate. My Dad and Stepmom have been able to help a bit, but live 21/2 hrs away! Husband is a Chef and never home, so I understand if you lack outside assistance. Good luck.

Emily - posted on 12/06/2008

I'm currently weaning my 2 1/2 year old, I probably wouldn't stress it much, except that I've been nursing two babies for almost a year and I'm tired of it. My toddler is old enough that we just talk about how she's a big girl and doesn't need "mommy milk" and we can do other things to spend time together. During the day when she asks to nurse, I ask if she wants to go pick out a book instead. She mostly asks for comfort, and some one on one reading time usually helps with that. I also have to pay attention to her hunger a bit more and offer food before she gets really hungry. If she skips a meal she'll usually demand to nurse and get too upset to eat any other food.

Carrie - posted on 12/06/2008

is he biting? I am weaning my 19mo old, but he doens't bite me, I'm just ready to be done and trying to very slowly wean him so it's not traumatic. my guy is very attached as well. when i wanted to cut out a feeding i offered a very tasty snack or a fun activity when he asked to nurse. sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't, but over time it has allowed us to get down to 1-2x per day. good luck!