I stink at setting boundaries!

[Shami]

Sometimes I feel like such a doe-doe head! I mean I am college educated, a teacher for crying out loud, 41 years old, level headed and I can't seem to figure out how to balance MY needs and HER needs. Sheesh!

She wants to nurse sooooo much. I thought she was supposed to be this too busy to nurse, snack eatin' toddler by now. She's 2.5!

I want my breasts back! Aaallll to myself!

Sorry

We go somewhere everyday before nap and sometimes after nap because if I sit down it's automatic nurse stimulation.

Should I do morning, nap, and night time only nursing and just suck it up when she cries? I hate the thought of her crying for her 'nurse'. BUT I feel like screaming and running like a lunatic out of the house grabbing my breasts! Well, I actually feel better now even if I don't get any responses.

[tinybutterfly]

No advice. Just a

[Shami]

Thanks Tiny
I think I just needed a vent, and a hug.
I am just so afraid of her reaction if I restrict her. I am afraid to even try. I suppose if I get desperate enough I will try something. I am also a little disappointed that I feel 'ready' to cut waaaay back, but she is not. I wanted to go until she was 'ready'. I just don't think I can hold out that long.

[Baby_Cakes]

My DD is 18 months, and as hard as it was the first few times, setting boundaries has made my life sooooo much better. We now only nurse for nap, maybe before dinner, and bed.
And she does ask. Sometimes, just out of the blue, she asks for, "Boob?" and nods her head and tries to lift my shirt. And it's hard at first, but if I give her a big hug and ask, "Are you thirsty? Where's your cup? I'll get you some water!" she runs and gets her cup and off we go - crisis averted.

Having my boobs back to myself, even partially, is amazing. I feel in control again, and I don't mind nursing the few times that we do nurse. I can enjoy these sessions and look in her eyes, and stroke her hair, and give her kisses on her forehead. I'm no longer gritting my teeth, muttering, "This is the nth time I've nursed her today! Grr!"
We've all but eliminated the fly by 15 second "sip" which was driving me insane.

Give yourself permission to gently redirect her. IMO, nursing is a partnership and both parties need to be happy for it to work and continue. It doesn't have to be an all or nothing! Being gentle is key.

[D_McG]

I have had a virtually identical experience to the PP. I made mistakes with my son that I vowed now to make with my daughter. As a result I am enjoying my relationship with her so much more (the nursing relationship).

[mrsdocmartin]

A few months ago we nightweaned, and it was not easy at first, but after about a week, he was totally nightweaned and sleeping great. At that point we also went down to just in the morning, before nap and before bed. Now it is just before bed and this one is harder. Honestly though, my DS was just like your DD and I was surprised by how ready he was for some limits (not all of it has been easy if you read my post before this!!). Anyway, my best idea has been to offer something he loves in place of the daytime nursies. Not usually food, but like a special book, (or kid show ) or special time doing something fun with me like fingerpainting, etc. When given the choice, he often chose the activity! GL mama!!