14mth old asks to nurse constantly (like every half hour)

[calendula]

Hi everyone,

My DD just turned 14 months and for the past 3 weeks or more, she wants to nurse all the time. I would say she nurses then asks (ie. signs) to nurse again within the hour. Often she asks within the half hour. At first I thought she was just experimenting with learning the sign...but then she started making her usual fussy signs.

Also, the length of time of each nursing session has got significantly longer. She used to be a fast, efficient nurser but now it's 10-15 minutes solid, often she'll sit up, pause, then ask to nurse more, and go another good 5-8 minutes. This is a LONG time for her.

So given the increased frequency and the length of each session I AM GOING INSANE!!!

She does eat solids but not a ton. She's not a huge solids eater but small bits at a time although she is consistent. Some days naturally, she eats more than others.

She also started walking within the last 2.5 weeks - is this the factor?
She is sleeping through the night (Shhh I didn't just say that!)

This week I have started watching the clock and trying to put her off for 1.5 hours before nursing her again. Often this works fine...which tells me she doesn't really "need" to nurse so often. She also seems to be able to go a long time (ie 2-3 hours) if we go out, or if she is with her dad shopping etc.

The question is - is this normal?!! If so, why? What is going on here? Please share your experiences. I feel like I have a newborn again. Oh yes, and WHEN will it end, I mean, when will she start going longer (like she USED TO) and not need to nurse for as long each time.

Help, please!
Thanks!

[pbjmama]

Yes, it is normal and could be for so many reason - developmental for sure, because milk = comfort, because she is fighting of an illness, because she has a sore in her mouth, because your supply has dipped, etc.

In my experience it is a cycle, they are more independent for awhile, then come back to the breast more, then go again. This is the natural way with child led weaning.

If the limits are working and it is better for you I would go with that. I did MLW with my oldest and it was a good experience.

[maybemom05]

This is TOTALLY normal It's exhausting, but it's normal. Often LO's, when they reach a new milestone, will increase their nursing in order to assure themselves of their safety net.

You can try to distract her a bit, as you've been doing, and you can continue to regularly offer solids, but many moms find that the only thing that really works is to wait it out. She is old enough that you could try introducing limits - like we'll nurse while Mommy counts down from 10, or for as long as it takes to sing the alphabet song, etc. You might also want to take a look at the LLL book, "Mothering Your Nursing Toddler" - it addresses this issue thoroughly, and it will help you feel like you're not alone.

Good luck to you!!!

[Qestia]

I agree, it could totally be connected to the learning to walk--that's a scary new skill and she needs lots of reassurance. That said, ITA with the PP that you can set some limits.

[dianakaye]

My 12 month old has also started nursing a lot more often- but only when we're at home. I think some of it has to do with teething and becoming more independent, but I think a huge factor (for us) is boredom. He is simply bored at home with his toys. I think also at home he sometimes gets neglected and lonely more than when we're out (because I try to clean or cook at home and when we're out I'm usually more focused on him). I think he tries to make sure he doesn't get forgotten at home by asking to nurse- it's a sure fire way to get my attention! I guess what I'm saying is that it's totally normal that she's asking to nurse more often- but make sure you stay in tune with what needs nursing is meeting for her...