[beebalmmama]

I am now 8 wks and nursing has gotten so painful! DS (3.5) is only nursing twice a day now, but I'm finding I just dread it. When he latches on I have to bite my lip to keep from crying out. I feel so bad, but I really want him to wean. I've been completely comfortable with him weaning as my milk dries up, if it does. But I had no idea it would be so painful.

I've talked to DS about, what if he stopped nursing now and he said "I would cry". Oh break my heart. I want it to be an easy transition, but he is determined he nurse until he is 4 which is at the end of July. I don't know if I can handle it that long if the pain doesn't let up. Does it get any better?

 

[mamamia10]

I think the pain goes away or lessens I am 17w and still have a good supply for my 2.5yo (who also nurses 2 x day). I don't have any tricks for you as far as the pain goes but I can tell you it does get better. BUT it is different for everyone.

do you think DS would fancy a weaning party?? say in a couple of weeks, plan the party, talk about stopping, see if he will buy it. It may be a good compromise for your pain

good luck and hang in there

 

[murphysaangel]

Mine just weaned himself, but he's only 11 months and transitioned to a bottle. I can't say the pain will get any better; for me it's only gotten worse. It's been 2 days since we last nursed and it's such a relief!

Could you bring him down to 1x/day? Maybe just at night? Or try using a nipple shield for a bit? Don't know what else to tell you...except good luck momma!

 

[Mom2M]

Oh, I feel that pain! My 3.5 year old DD is nursing at night before bed and it is like steel clamps with sharp teeth!
We have this thing now, I say, ok, be very, very gentle and I get ready and grab a blanket and take a deep breath as it starts. OW!!! Then just breathe hard till I can relax a bit.

I also talked to her and mentioned that eventually she would be finished with mommy milk and asked her if she would like a special necklace when it is so that she would always remember.
She liked that idea but if I say are you sure you want mommy milk tonight? She says Oh, don't joke around with me I don't like it, it hurts my feelings...

I got her to only nurse at bedtime by saying how about we do some special snuggling (at nap time) and then ther would be extra mommy milk at night.

Good luck,

Deb

 

[MamaMonica]

Moved to Breastfeeding.

 

[awallrising]

In my book, there are no rules when it comes to breastfeeding. Every Mama & baby needs to decide what's right for them. It's about nursing couple led weaning. The needs of both parties have to be considered. You are pregnant & in pain, why should you suffer. DS has received so much from you in the past 3.5 years, it's ok to wean. If you can have a conversation with him about how he'd feel if you weaned & he responded in that way, then you can tell him that it's hurts you very much & it's time to stop. I'm sure you have to tell him no or redirect him in other areas, right? He will continue to thrive even if weaned. It's ok to be sad about it, but you have the right to take care of your needs.

 

[beebalmmama]

Thanks for all the support and ideas.

Mom2M -Yes this is pretty much what I do. Take a deep breath and breathe as he latches on. After he latches it's not quite as painful and I often remind him to be gentle. He has definitely shortened his nursing sessions for me and I'm so greatful!

Knowing my ds if I forced him to wean he would not only be sad but he would cry and cry. He's pretty attached to mama. We have been talking about how mama's body changes because of the baby and that is why the nursies hurt. I want him to know it is not him. I think if we keep talking we will wean before his birthday. I haven't really even pushed the 4 yr thing, that was dh's doing. So maybe it is time to have a few more talks about ending nursing.

I will think about the weaning party and mention it to ds and see what his reaction is.