I tend to ramble instead of writing a quick, straight-to-the-point question so please bear with me...
My goal for my second was to breastfeed at least until 15 months. He is now 16 months old and while I'm feeling very ready to be done with breastfeeding him, I wasn't planning on practically drying up before I had officially weaned him from all feedings. However, I seem to be quitting somewhat "cold turkey" unintentionally.
The somewhat sudden loss of all feedings is going mostly well during the day, but he has now been waking up EVERY hour at night for the last three to four nights.
Let me give you some history:
I had still been nursing him every time he woke up at night, despite all the hype about not doing so. He has been a completely different child in terms of sleep than my first and seemed to be one that benefited from nursing on demand at night because otherwise he'd scream for hours. I have been sleep deprived since he's been born and frankly, I'd rather give in and feed him than put up with screaming all night because I still have to take care of my three-and-a-half-year-old as well without any naps from me. (Yes, I'm aware of all the "You Should Teach Your Baby How to Fall Asleep on their Own " books, advice, etc., that tell me that I should be doing something differently at his age but bugger all that). The daytime feedings slowly diminished over time -- he was the one who refused his feeding before naptime and didn't have any problem without it. He was only nursing before bed (and started to refuse many of those as well), two hours into sleep then once or twice after (so about 2-4 feedings in the night, none during the day). Then, we went on vacation and my milk pretty much dried up.
He has only been able to get my milk to drop very few times in the last week, hence the more frequent wakings at night. He doesn't fuss much if he is at least able to try to nurse, thank goodness. I can't seem to provide him with any milk even when I want to (but honestly, I'm not too sad for this to be coming to an end). Sometimes I can convince him to go back to sleep without giving him the boobs but he has been asking for them with more determination as of late (though resigns fairly easily if no milk is there).
I don't want to try to get my milk supply back because I'm ready to be done breastfeeding -- but is he?
My questions are these: Who of you can relate to this issue? Do you think he'll get tired of trying to nurse with no reward soon?
And, always, am I making all the perfect choices for my children and am I the perfect mother? Just kidding (kind of)! Don't answer that!!
Thanks ladies!
I would stop trying to nurse him at night, seems like you are giving the kid false hope and creating frustration. Like, oh boobs, wait! they don't work!! They don't work!! Whaaaaaaa
You need to close that door so he can find another way to sooth himself back to sleep.
Hey, I nursed my DD at night until she weaned at 15 months. It worked for us, so I don't allow anyone's stupid judgements to bother me. She has been sleeping just fine through the night, so it certainly didn't mess up her sleep habits for life. ;)
I would try snuggling him, or giving him a pacifier to fall back asleep. If he insists, go ahead and put him to breast. I'm sure he will get sick of it before too long if he isn't getting anything... Heck, maybe all he really wants is the closeness to Mommy that nursing provides. If possible, maybe you can co-sleep with him for a while, then gradually scoot him back into his own crib (or bed... That's about the age when my DD switched to her toddler bed.) once he is sleeping through the night.
Just do what you do mama.
I'm in the process of night time weaning my 22 month old. He cries for a bit, but eventually falls back to sleep. We co sleep as well, not sure what your sleeping arrangements are. I'd just let nature run its course. Once he sees his efforts are futile I'm guessing he'll give up. Be prepared for a bit if crying. But I think he will fall back to sleep faster than you realize. Good luck.
It sounds like your body is done nursing. Yes, it is nice to want to nurse forever but sometimes that just doesn't happen. You gave him a good start in life.
Get a sippy cup out and go that route.
I had the notion I would nurse my daughter for a year or more. Around 8 months, we kind of drifted a part and ended by 9 months. It was a bit bittersweet but it was what it was. She survived and thrived off of powdered milk and not formula - didn't like the texture too thick.
You both will be okay. Make sure he is hydrated and learns how to sleep at night. Get him a lovey and an old shirt of yours for his crib.
Every baby is different so don't beat yourself up over this.
the other S.
I'd visit kellymom.com. I used their weaning tips when I guided DD (then 2.5) to being weaned. They also have tips on relactating or increasing supply. If there's no milk, I'd guess he'll just wean on his own and you can replace the nursing with other comforts. You can tell him "all gone" and give him hugs and kisses, or a sippy cup of water.
Everybody will be fine. I will warn you, though, when I finally completely weaned DD, I had hormonal shifts that I was not expecting.
