Weaning

[kristina_1988]

 My son is 13 months old and since yesterday I have started to wean. It's not easy. Last night I gave in and nursed him to sleep. I was too tired to stay up late trying to get him to sleep without nursing. I think I will do this tonight again and the night after, then take away the night feeding. I was giving him cows milk in his sippy cup but he wasnt drinking a lot so I put some breast milk in and he gulped it down! The thing is, I have to bounce him on my lap to get him to sleep. He wont let me lay him down! So frustrating. This is also difficult for me emotionaly because I feel like we wont be as close without breast feeding & it just reminds me of how quick he's growing up...makes me sad. I hate to see him cry too. My poor baby. But I think its for the best in the long run. Everyone keeps saying how the World Health Organization reccomends you nurse until age 2 or 3...I dont care what they say. The baby only NEEDS it for the 1st year and he's had it over a year now so its time to let go. I have to be consistent but its so easy to give in. Okay...he's napping so thats one nap down...one more to go (for this day)

[jlry_ldy]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 3:10 PM

It really isn't. I mean, think of what you're taking away! Yummy breast milk, the cuddling, security...it's their routine. That being said, don't take it negatively. Congrats on passing 1 year! 

I will say (only once), I would not recommend weaning, because the benefits do not stop at a year (for you or your son). There are plenty of reasons to keep nursing. However, I will spare the whole shpiel, since that's not what you asked. I did have to tell you that, though!

I weaned my son a lot later than a year, HOWEVER, I think the best approach is the kind, gentle one rather than the cold turkey approach (I always think it's mean). Keep the nursing him to sleep for right now. How many times a day does he nurse? Cut those down first. Those are the easiest to cut out. If he really wants to nurse, offer a snack or juice or milk or something. If he doesn't take it, make him wait a little while, then nurse him. Sometimes, they forget they wanted to nurse. 

Another method is shortening it. Set a timer and tell him you're only going to nurse for one minute or two minutes, or whatever you pick. He's only 13 months, so he may not really understand, but hopefully the timer will be the big hint. 

Once you cut out all the day time ones, start a bed time routine (and you can start the routine before this). Either a bath, book and nursing....or whatever. 

I will be honest, night weaning was the hardest for me. It may not be for you.

Nurse him only once and then lay him down. That's it. You have to stay consistant about it. If he gets back up, give him a hug and lay him back down. Maybe you'll have to sleep next to his crib for a few days....It's a process.

[jlry_ldy]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 3:17 PM

Sorry for the book! I was going to add: use your boyfriend! lol Seriously. He can't break down and nurse him. And if your baby is crying, don't worry too much (easier said than done-I know). It's not like you're letting him scream and cry by himself. He has daddy and he's being comforted. 

Again, this is a process and it sucks, but if you keep consistant at it, it'll work.