Help me- 15 mo self weaning, against my will!!

[Mampig]

Hello all, I've been around a few blocks by now, and realise I'm clutching at straws, but maybe someone can help? 15 mo ds has been self weaning for about 2 weeks now. I was in denial initially but know its for real :-( . I'm actually distraught. I feel it's too early (for him and me), and can't understand why?! It seems like he has forgotten how to latch. I work FT, so have not been all available to him ifkwim? In one way, I feel this is the cause. But I am wondering if there is anything I can do?? Ideally I would like to be breastfeeding am and pm. My milk supply has really dropped, so I started fenugreek today, and also expressing ( I got nothing btw), so if he cannot latch on, I would still like to give him bm.
So- does anyone think its possible that he may latch on again? Or if not, do u think I can up my supply in order to give him a few oz bm per day in a cup? If u have read this far, I thank u!!!!

[Mampig]

Thank u for your fast response! I will try anything!! I know that self weaning is unusual at this age, and I really want the best for him, fingers crossed!!
Further suggestions/ opinions most welcome!

[TodaysAGoodDay]

I know you will probably be knackered with a baby and a job, but the more bf you can do at night the more your milk supply responds. Even if it's just expressing for 10 mins, it will help I think. Good luck.

[sausagerolemodel]

Sorry for my ignorance, but when you say weaning, do you mean having first solids? Or do you mean already on solids but leaving the breast?

[Mampig]

Thanks- I will try night expressing, as he won't latch even during sleep.
I always thought strikes lasted days, not weeks? Surely, 2 weeks and no signs if it stopping is not a good sign? Although I do think he misses it, as he keeps putting his hand down my top , but just won't latch!! It's so frustrating!!!
Ladies, thanks for the support- it means a lot!!

[sausagerolemodel]

Thx for explaining. I take my hat off! I enjoyed breast feeding but could not have managed for much longer than I did! (about 9mo). Sorry, obvs i have no advice therefore, but Good luck! X

[Mampig]

Just re-read.
I would be delighted if it was a strike
Gonna keep gently offering ( the rejection is harsh though). Been in tears a few times now

[Mampig]

Thanks Sausage

[kernowmissvyghen]

I am speaking from a position of considerable ignorance (bf a 13mo but no other qualifications) so feel free to ignore if this isn't useful, but could it be something to do with teething? My DS seems to temporarily "forget" how to latch whenever his teeth move, and the oral discomfort also makes him less interested for a few days - if something major like several molars are coming through, could this be a factor?

Completely understand how you must feel- hope it resolves soon!

[Mampig]

Asmy you have been very kind- I will keep u posted.

[Mampig]

Thanks too Kerno. He is teething at the minute. I'm just worried because its going on too long

[Mampig]

So I've just read about a 30 day nursing strike!!! Feeling more hopeful now....

[KD0706]

Just wanted to add my support.
My dd1 self weaned at 20 months (or nursing strike which led to weaning), I was 5 months pregnant with dd2 and I think my milk was low supply or tasted funny maybe (from other peoples experiences). Anyway, I just let it happen as I was willing to tandem nurse but not totally keen on the idea

I still remember very keenly the upset of offering the breast and her not be interested

Big hugs. I hope it's resolved soon, let us know.

[AngelDog]

Kellymom has some good info on nursing strikes - it does sound like that rather than self-weaning.

Have you had him checked by a GP? My DS went on a partial strike at 13 months (he'd feed to sleep, but no other time). He seemed fit & well, but it turned out he had a bad ear & chest infection, then went on to get a D&V bug and conjunctivitis too. I think it was the antibiotics which resolved it in the end; the strike lasted 12 days. Ear infections can often cause strikes as they make feeding uncomfortable.

My supply dropped loads (I didn't really manage to express much) but it seemed to recover quickly once the strike was over.

[Mampig]

Thank u both. Expressing isn't working, but I acknowledge that if I can get him feeding again it should be ok.. He took a mouthful of boob today, no sucking but a start at least. Can't tell u how happy I was at not getting rejected! Gosh, I know how sad this sounds to others who don't understand, and I really appreciate your support. I will keep you all posted one way or the other!