whiny nurser

could it be possible that you are pregnant? My DD did that when I became pregnant with her baby sister - before I even knew I was pregnant.
She has also been like that when I was feeling extra stress, when she was teething or going through a growth spurt or major developmental change, when my supply dropped because of AF, etc...

I wish I could say it's a phase, but at three years, DD throws big fits when she wants to nurse instead of just whining...

My dd is also 22 months and we have had some of the super whinies at our house, though not everyday. I think its teething those second year molars, because if we give her pain relievers, like a dose of baby motrin, she is once more my happy child. I feel weird advocating medication here : and I kind of feel guilty that she has had a lot (well, by my standards, like 1-2 doses a day at most) of Motrin and Tylonol. But when she gets really obviously distressed, I feel like I have to do something, and I don't want to let her nurse ALL day. I'm just not that good.
So you're not the only one. I have also found popsicles (ones with real juice, fruit or yogurt) to be a great option too. It distracts her and I think the cold helps her gums feel better.
hope this helps.

Laura