Is it possible for him to forget to latch after 24 hours?

[DahliaRW]

I have a ds who is 20 months old and I was doing CLW with him. I'm also nearly 28 weeks pregnant, so have no milk. Because of this, he usually only nurses before nap, and sometimes before bed.

I didn't nurse at all yesterday since we weren't home at nap time (slept in the car) and my dh did bedtime since I wasn't home in the evening. Today before nap ds asked to nurse and couldn't latch on right. He kept just latching onto the nipple (which obviously is REALLY painful and I can't handle right now). I asked him to open his mouth wider, tried to help him, etc, but he just ended up crying and frustrated.

Any advice? Should I keep trying or just wean him?

[DahliaRW]

Well, I was hoping for help to save our nursing relationship, but it's been 72 hours now and no latch. I guess we are done. I really wanted him to continue nursing after the baby is born because he is so young.

[foreverinbluejeans]

CLW is not something "you do." It is a process controlled by the child. Some toddlers won't suckle well or don't like to breastfeed while their moms are pregnant. Sometimes they will start nursing again when the baby is born.

[DahliaRW]

Yes, I understand that it's his lead. But he was visibly upset that he couldn't nurse. IMO, if he wants to nurse and can't I wanted to do what I could to help him do that.

[ians_mommy]

I am sorry...you sound so upset by this
I would say just keep letting him try when he asks...that is the most you can do.
I sm sure I have read posts which said an older sibling resumed nursing after birth when the milk came back in...maybe that will be your experience. Maybe the presence of milk (an absense of your physical discomfort) will be what he need...if he still needs it.

ETA: this link might be of interest http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/f...lyweaning.html