Striking a balance with a toddler who won't stop breastfeeding? (esp. at night!)

[learningtolivelife]

Hey everyone.  I haven't posted in ages but I'm really stuck here!  My second is 2.5 and was always the "easy" one in regards to separation anxiety and nursing, when compared to how his sister was.  Recently though (the last month or so) he's been SO attached to the breast that he won't give it up at night at all.  We used to detach (with some warning) and if it was extra hard for him, I'd count to five and then he'd give it back happily and turn over and we'd sleep, but now he wants to count to five *again* and *again*, then he wants to do it iwth the other side, and by the time its all done, he's crying his heart out (and wide awake) and I'm left not sure if I should just give in so we can get some sleep or not.  He's a little more clingy than normal during the day also, but its the night nursing that's tipping the scales for me.  Any tips?  We're nearing the point of complete weaning if he doesn't release his hold on me soon! 

[sosurreal09]

Complete NWing or weaning all together? If it's that horrible maybe you should NW so you don't completely wean him? IDK it seems like he really needs it emotionally right now. JMHO

[Marissamom]

is there anything that could be stressing him out? teething, illness, family stress, anything new or different (could be as simple as rearranging furniture). if so I would wait it out, if not, then nightweaning might help to keep your sanity. you could also try to work more special time with him during the day, so maybe he would need the emotional support as much at night.

[D_McG]

I would also nightwean.

[sosurreal09]

Do you think his throat hurts? DD just nursed for 3hrs straight this morning and her voice sounds hoarse.

[kdescalzi]

Sounds like he is definately going through something right now. I think you should give in to his need to nurse. I know it can be very hard to have such a clingy toddler but it sounds like he needs that time at the breast. Try to go with the flow for a few more days and see if its something that he will work through. Good luck!