If your toddler was an avid nurser, when did s/he slow down?

[zwitterion]

My DD (20 months) is quite an avid nurser (typically at least 3-4 times--often more--per day and another few overnight), and I'm anxiously awaiting the return of my fertility. I have heard that there is often a relatively sudden decrease in nursing frequency, and I would love to hear if and when other toddlers who love to nurse have gone through this. Thanks!

[glowan1]

Dd slowly dropped one feeding at a time going from 5-6 in 24 hours (I WOTH) at 20 months to 2 in 24hr at about 4 yr. But I was also pregnant at that time so there wasn't much milk at all.

Menses returned at about 20 months though.

We didn't have a sudden decrease. Sorry, prob. not the answer you were looking for.

[wagamama]

My 26-month-old is still avidly nursing during the day, but after nightweaning her about 2 months ago, I got my period within weeks! HTH!

[pbjmama]

No great advice about decrease in nursing as I was tandem by the time my ds was that age but I would suggest night or day weaning if you are hoping to get your period. If you night wean be prepared for more nursing during the day or vice versa. Typically going longer periods of time between nursing sessions is a good way to give your fertility a chance to jump start.

[zwitterion]

Thanks for your input! Don't worry about not giving me the answer I might have wanted to hear. I appreciate the cold hard truth much more than the false hope of sunshine and roses.

I have come to the conclusion that I probably need to nightwean DD for my sanity, as she is becoming more and more frequent in her nursing demands at night (probably related to me trying to cut back her day nursing, frankly, but I'd rather have the sleep!) I'm just petrified to start. I think Friday night may be the big night.

[Vancouver Mommy]

DS will be 3 next month and he still would nurse 15 times a day if I let him.