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How to get my 22 month old to go to sleep without the breast?

Tara Lee - posted on 07/19/2010 ( 4 moms have responded )

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Hi everyone. I have made the mistake of ALWAYS breastfeeding my DD it sleep. Now I am 5 months PG and trying to wean my DD. She only BF at nap and night. She refuses to fall asleep without the breast in her mouth. Half the time I know she isn't feeding, but using me as a pasifier(she gave hers up at 15months). She fights me every time I try to put her down.
When she was 0-9months old, I could put her down awake, but once she could get around by herself fairly well, she stopped.
Any suggestions on what to do?

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4 Comments

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Tara Lee - posted on 07/20/2010

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thank you everyone for the help...I think it's actually harder on me, I hate saying no to her and having her cry.
Sammie...I don't really think it was a mistake...but, now she doesn't know how to fall asleep on her own(except in the truck)...
I have been trying to get her to take her nap with out bf, and most of the time she just wont nap...and that makes for a very fussy little girl, which in turn, makes a very frustrated mommy...
Half the time I end up giving in...In all honesty, I had planned on letting her wean herself when she was ready, but with the new baby coming, I just can't BF both, Paityn is just too demanding.

Tess - posted on 07/19/2010

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I asked a similar question to a mid wife who nursed her daughter till she was 3 years of age. She gave me some good advice. Because Breastfeeding is such a comfort, you would need to try replace this with another comfort also maybe talk to your DD and tell her that now she is going to be a big sister get her something special to sleep with and say that now you get to hug your bear instead of milk (or whatever you refer to as breastfeeding to her) and if necessary hold her to sleep with a cushion between the two of you (so she is not tempted to breastfeed). It may take you being consistent for a month or two but she will eventually get the message....but don't change the routine for even one day she will catch on...it's important to be consistent. Good luck!

Ashley - posted on 07/19/2010

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I would suggest trying a new routine. Something like putting on pjs, brush teeth, nurse if you must, read a few books, lights off. I agree that it is fine to still nurse her to sleep, but the further along in pregnancy you get the harder it will be. Just know that a new routine will take getting used to and just keep going with it for a while. Good luck and congratulations!

Sammie - posted on 07/19/2010

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I dont think letting a child nurse to sleep is ever a mistake. I think its one of the benefits of nursing. My son is 3.5yrs old and still nurses to sleep. He can fall asleep without nursing, but its so much easier and quicker when he nurses to sleep. I do understand that you are pregnant and tired, and need some rest. Im sorry but i dont have any good advice for you, just dont want you to feel like you made a mistake by nursing your child to sleep.
Good luck and i hope it all works out smoothly for you and your daughter.

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