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My 15 month old still nurses as much as ever

Jennifer - posted on 11/07/2008 ( 3 moms have responded )

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She's always been a snacker, so she feeds for 10 minutes at a time, tops. She eats solids, but not a ton. She has days when she eats good, days when she doesn't. Same for drinking milk, juice or water. She really enjoys nursing, and still nurses several times a night as well. She has gotten so that she even wants to be caressing the breast she's not latched on to. We're trying night weaning now, but it seems like she is nowhere near weaning during the day. Does anyone have any experience with this? Am I harming her by allowing this to go on?

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Jennifer - posted on 11/11/2008

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Thanks for your encouraging responses! It just always seems that by this age most kids who are still nursing are only nursing a couple times a day. I just want to make sure she is healthy nutritionally and emotionally!

Jenna - posted on 11/07/2008

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I have a very similar experince with my 18 month old son. He never cared much for anything but the breast. won't take a bottle or pacifier. some days he eats well others maybe one meal. He is co-sleeping with me and for a long time would only nurse at night. He doesn't like to stop and eat during the day. He is a very busy toddler. I started to night wean a little while ago just because I was starting to lose sleep and I wanted him to eat more during the day. I would give him a good feed at bed and maybe once in the middle of the night if he really couldn't sleep. Otherwise I would tell him I was sleeping and that he needed to sleep too. The best trick is to roll over. He didn't like it at first and would fuss and cry just a little, he even would sit on my head and tug at my hair. But I remained consistant and now he will just lay next to me and play with my hair.I Also leave some water by the bed in his cup. It is working and I didn't have to resort to anything harsh. Just be consistant. My breastfeeding consultant told me that this situation is actully pretty common among breastfeeding mothers. It sounds to me that you have a wonderful relationship with your daughter and are doing what you feel is right. Her breastfeeding is only a problem if it is effecting her or you in a negative way. If your not bothered by this then I wouldn't worry. I agree with the mindset that if a need is fufilled then it will go away. Im planning on breastfeeding until my son is around two but will follow his cues and wean gradually. Just hang in there they grow up so fast, one day she won't want you to help here do anything. If you provide a secure and loving environment she will become more independent on her own. I don't think its something you can force. Your not alone. I bet your daughter is extreamly bright and secure.

Nicole - posted on 11/07/2008

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I am fully into full term BFing (also called extended BFing), so I guess you could say I am bias, but in no way are you harming her! In fact you are instead going to create a secure, confident person. The WHO, World Health Org, recommends at least 2 years.
Here are some links that may help you with night weaning if that's what you really want to do and to help you know you are doing the absolute best thing for your baby by continuing the BFing relationship and especially if you allow her to decide when she's done.
http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/a...

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/eb...

http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.ht...
http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detsleepth...
http://www.kathydettwyler.org/dettwyler....

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