[ETW]

For those with children who have already self-weaned, was their nursing behavior in the first few years predictive of their weaning age? Does a young toddler who nurses frequently, for example, wean later than one who nurses less frequently?

I'm mostly asking out of curiousity, though I'd also like to be able to guess what the future holds for my 15 month old.

 

[TiredX2]

I don't think you can predict your child's weaning age.

Both of my children were frequent nursers. BUT, DD much more so than DS. She also took much longer early on. DS was a "frequent" nurser at 12-18 months (compared to most) and still nursed through the night, but DD nursed much more often. BUT DS has kept a more even pace (a lot, probably because I was pg with DS when DD was 24 months). So, while DD was a more frequent nurser until at least 18 months (and to clarify I mean 30 (?) times a day versus 20, lol), at 3.5 the situation is totally different. DS nurses probably 6+ times daily now (he will be 4 in August) while DD was sleeping all the way through the night at this point (so probably nursing 3 times daily).

I don't really know, though. DD's good friend who was the most high needs child I have encountered weaned on her 5th birthday and her brother is still going strong at 4.5 so

I really tink you can't tell *too* much.

 

[Ruthla]

I think you can safely predict that your ds will nurse at least until the age of 15 months and will wean before reaching puberty.

 

[TiredX2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruthla I think you can safely predict that your ds will nurse at least until the age of 15 months and will wean before reaching puberty.

Wow, so I can stop looking for colleges that allow moms to nurse in the dorms?

 

[stafl]

OMG! No wonder your name is TiredX2!

My very very spirited, intense, high-needs 4yo nurses maybe once or twice a week! But my 18 month old, who doesn't seem to have the same intense emotional *need* to nurse that her sister does, still nurses like a newborn most days (but sleeps all night), though it doesn't bother her to miss several nursing sessions if we are doing something much more fun and interesting. I'm actually hoping they both wean in about two years from now, but who knows what will really happen?

 

[mother_sunshine]

I agree that it is difficult (and useless) to predict. It's so much more enjoyable (for both mama and babe) to just relax and go with what feels right and see where it takes you. Experience the here-and-now rather than thinking too far ahead.

I would have given myself a nervous breakdown if I kept predicting! There just came a time when I relaxed and said that it will happen when it happens.

That said, dd was a comfort nurser from day 1. She nursed for long periods of time and had a very strong suckle...all the way up until the end of the journey.