If you have weaning experience...

[AFWife]

Here's how it's been happening. I've been trying to slowly and gently wean DS because nursing through pregnancy isn't working for me for various reasons. Thankfully he takes a bottle of raw milk and loves it.

We had gotten down to 3 nursing sessions a day (this was 3 weeks ago): First thing in the morning (after DH gets up for work), midday nap, and right before bed.

Monday of last week I cut out the first two sessions. (I was only going to do the naptime one but he never woke up to nurse that morning) DH and I started discussing when we were going to cut out the before bed session.

Sunday night DS wouldn't focus and nurse. He kept crawling around and whatnot. So, we all got up and sat in the living room and watched a little TV (I know, I know... ) DS slowly laid down on DH and went to sleep. Last night he wouldn't nurse correctly at all. It was funny to him and he kept just holding my nipple in his teeth. (Uhm, pregnancy hormones plus teeth? NOPE) I finally pulled my shirt down and said, "Not if you can't do it right." He laid his head on my breasts for a min or so (he was sitting up) and then sat up and laid his head on DH's chest....and went to sleep.


Does it really happen that quickly? I was expecting a fight or something.

My breasts haven't been engorged since I got pregnant (another reason for weaning...huge supply dip). Since we did it slowly do I have to worry about anything on that front?

TIA I know that weaning before age 2 isn't a popular topic around here...but I appreciate any advice.

[sparkysgirl]

I weaned during pregnancy as well, just couldn't tolerate it and I really wanted my boobs to myself for a while. we were also down to just nursing to sleep. We picked a weekend where daddy was around. He put her down with stories and rocking-to change up her routine. Then, after the weekend i took over and used daddys routine. Very successful.

[Nazsmum]

I say just go with it. Just be aware that he may ask to start again when new baby comes.

[Xerxella]

That's kinda the way it happened for me with DS. I was pregnant with DD and I think the milk changed/lessened. He just went in to nurse, looked up at and smiled and shook his head. He never nursed again, even when I offered. He was at about 2-3 x's a day at that point. He was 19 months. It was sad for me, I was looking forward to tandem nursing and all that, but he had other ideas.

Sometimes, it is that easy.

[AFWife]

Originally Posted by Xerxella

That's kinda the way it happened for me with DS. I was pregnant with DD and I think the milk changed/lessened. He just went in to nurse, looked up at and smiled and shook his head. He never nursed again, even when I offered. He was at about 2-3 x's a day at that point. He was 19 months. It was sad for me, I was looking forward to tandem nursing and all that, but he had other ideas.

Sometimes, it is that easy.

I told DH that it does make me a bit sad. It feels like he doesn't need me as much, you know? But, he still cuddles with me and would only go to sleep curled up next to me last night...so I guess I'm still number 1!

[annettemarie]

Moving to Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy

[Baby_Cakes]

This thread is giving me hope, ladies! DD is nursing just to sleep at bedtime and nap, and I am looking for ways to gently nudge her away from those sessions as well. Having some trouble ttc #2 (which I don't really think is related, w/only 1 or 2 10 min nursing sessions per day) and I don't want to nurse through pg. I'm hoping it goes this easily for us, too.

[LadyCatherine185]

We haven't completely weaned, but I cut DS WAAAY back when I first got pregnant. I allow it 3 times a day now (whereas he used to nurse 10+ times a day) but only if he asks, and I try to distract first. If he is persistent, I go ahead and let him. I only let him nurse for about 10 seconds. He has been totally fine with this arrangement. Some days he will ask to nurse more, and others he will only ask once. It makes me sad to think of him actually weaning too..

[AFWife]

Last night he pulled my boob out of my tank top, put his mouth on the nipple, and then immediately pulled it off and smiled at me. No real attempt was made (not that I have anything after a week of not nursing anyway)

I told DH I have mixed feelings...for the past year I've been on diet restriction because DS can't handle pasteurized dairy. Now I can eat whatever I want (and I've been craving CHEESE) so I have to admit to being a bit pleased that he's weaned...and, for the most part, it's been painless.