Desperate to stop breastfeeding!

[loopyredangel]

I know this may sound selfish t osome, but I am at my wits end now with breastfeeding. My gorgeous son is 19 months old and is addicted to the breast, he just seems to be using it as comfort during the night, and to get to sleep, I daren't sit down because all he wants is the breast. I dread bedtime because I know he's going to come in and want to suckle for upto an hour at a time. I am 8 weeks pregnant and shattered as it is, but all this breastfeeding is taking it's toll. I am not enjoying feeding my son anymore, and just can't seem to get him to slow down on it. Please help!

[loopyredangel]

I used to enjoy feeding him, but now it just seems like a chore. I adore my son and would do anything for him, but I think he is using me as a tool for sleeping and comforting.

[rowan1971]

Do you want permission to stop? I give you permission! If it's making you miserable, then maybe it's time to bite the bullet and wean him. I weaned my 18-month-old ds when I was 5 months' pregnant for very similar reasons. Have to say it was a difficult ten days, but once the initial period was over, he was fine with it (and didn't blink when I fed my second).

[dinny]

I've just stopped feeding my son - he's 2 and a half - and I thought it'd be a nightmare but it was FINe and he totally accepted it after being a total addict! ade sure i cut down slowly (ish) and made time for extra cuddles, puzzles, stories and he chose a new beaer for his grown-up milk.
good luck, I feel much ls tired 3 weeks on...

[loopyredangel]

Thanks Rowan, what was the routine for weaning him off. Last night DS came in at 3.20am, I let him have a little milk, but them refused the rest when he was just suckling for suckling sake, we had over an hour and a half of screaming and tantrums, but he got the message in the end. He just needs to find another way of going to sleep!

[loopyredangel]

I think what is more tiring, is the fact DS is going back and to from breast to breast over and over and over again, he will suckle then want the other one, then suckle that one and want to move back to the other!

[Tatties]

My ds went a bit boob-mad at this age Loopy, it did calm down after a couple of months. Also self-weaning can happen a bit further on in pregnancy can't it?

[loopyredangel]

Self-weaning? I think it would be more like cold turkey!

[rowan1971]

Sorry loopy, went for a bath there. I didn't have a routine so much as hit the red mist and decided to stop on the spur of the moment. I'm afraid screaming and crying - especially at night - were the order of the day for about ten days, and I can't pretend it wasn't a nightmare for all concerned at the time. Ideally, you should try to introduce other ways of getting him to sleep before you wean, if possible, although that might just prolong the agony. Or run to the hills for a week and get your husband/partner to take over . Google Dr William Sears for night weaning tips - didn't do this myself but he comes recommended, as does Elizabeth Pantly (try Amazon). No controlled crying, but gentle techniques for getting them off the breast.

[maximummummy]

loopyredangel-i stopped feeding my son at 2yrs it was easy ! once you have made the decision to stop stick to your guns,saying that i'd already got him sleeping through i stopped night feed and didn't do controlled crying as i couldn't bear the idea of it i took quite a long time over it but that was what suited me.Once you are no longer plagued with nightfeeds and broken sleep daytime feeds may seem more acceptible.