Need Help Weaning My Daughter from Breastfeeding

Hi A.,
It really is up to you to start offering other options during the day, like sippy cups with water or time with your husband. Try a bunch a different sippy cups, she might like one better than another. I found some really cute plastic cups with the push on top sippy cups that have Cinderella and Snow white on them. My daughter loves looking at the pictures. She also likes the rubbery sippers because they feel good on her gums when she is teething. It is so hard when your child is crying so hard for something, but maybe keeping her busy outside on a swing or with a push car or just distracting her with something other than your milk.... anything that helps her to be independent of you. Do you leave her with your husband much? Maybe one day each weekend, he can help take her during the day and you can do a special Mommy-son day with your 4 year old. This might help your daughter become a little less attached to you and your breast milk, and more attached to your hubby. There is always something special about "Daddy's little girl." Her independence from you may be the one thing to help her wean during the day and maybe just nurse at night. Good luck sweetie. Hopefully one of us Moms can help you with an idea.

My advice is to listen to your children and dont make decisions based on how other people make you feel. Whats the big deal she's only 1! My son has just recently weaned and really not even all the way and he is going to be 4 this summer. My sisters little boy is not even 1 yet and he is already over it. Every baby has different needs. again my advice....communicate with your baby and always give them what they need. My son is the sweetest little thing, so sensitive to my feelings and needs now and i know its because I have been sensitive to his. It only gets better! Dont let your mind get in the way. Love is all that matters!

A big hug...
J.

Sorry you're having so much trouble :( I'd just keep offering the bottle/sippy cup first every time. I've heard toddlers will reject something new the first times they're offered it, but eventually will come around and try it. I hope she comes around soon!

Hi A.,
I don't know if this is the problem or not, but could it be that she's not taking enough at each feeding to go longer than an hour in between? Maybe you could try pushing back each feeding by 15 minutes or so until she is going three or four hours in between feedings. This article relates specifically to sleep, but it might be a similar concept.

http://www.informedparent.com/article.html?breastfeedinga...

It sounds like you are a comfort for her; maybe she needs a "lovey" instead (special stuffed animal or blanket)?