Helping my toddler fall asleep- I'm pregnant and can no longer nurse her

[lizsky]

My DD (now 19 months) was nursing to sleep until I got pregnant, but my milk has dried up and she is no longer interested in nursing.    (She will drink a cup of warm milk but it doesn't soothe her at all unfortunately).  Getting her to fall asleep has become a very long and challenging process (often 90 min), and I worry about these 90 min sessions once I have a newborn (DH is not always home at bedtime).  I know some newborns are content in a sling, but DD was VERY fussy in the evenings as a newborn, so I don't want to count on it.  I'd love to hear stories from other mamas who have dealt with this transition.

The things that work the fastest are not as practical longterm.  Stroller rides are faster but not really safe at night in our city neighborhood and even less practical as winter approaches.  Babywearing is getting uncomfortable for me as my belly grows.  Same with rocking her- she squirms and shoves against my belly a lot.

So for now, I sit by DD or lie next to her, I hum her lullabyes, but it takes 90 min.  I know she's still very young and I want to be gentle and kind to her, but I'd love for this to be a little easier on everyone by the time the new baby comes.  

Anyone been through this?  Any success stories?

[Annie Mac]

Don't have any suggestions, but am in a similar situation myself (although I still have milk). I'd love to hear what other moms have to say.

[Juggling3]

I had to teach 3 of my toddlers how to fall asleep when I was pregnant and couldn't nurse. I would say that it took a few weeks for them to adapt. I chose a substitution for nursing-back rubbing, belly rubbing, talking about their day, special sippy cup-these were some of the things different children chose. If it is taking you 90 minutes, that must be exhausting! Poor mama, hugs. I wonder if perhaps she is not that tired if it really takes that long.

I got lots of ideas and insight on weaning from the book 'Mothering Your Nursing Toddler' by Sheila Baumgardner (or something like that). The truth is that it does take 90 minutes to wind down a toddler for bed...but I would spread those 90 minutes out over a few activities so you don't get worn out or frustrated. Maybe dad can help too for some of the bedtime activities.