I think I'm ready to stop breastfeeding

[SleepForTheWeak]

DD is 16.5months. We recently night weaned her, she was only taking one feed first thing and she started to sleep through the night. After Xmas, due to teething and all other excuses, she started waking in the night again and I'm now back to feeding her (in the last few weeks) twice At around 11-12/2-3. I'm angry with myself we've gone back the way as she now wakes like clockwork, crying till i feed her and bring her Into the bed with me. I get horrible fingernails down blackboard kind of feeling when feeding hey a lot of the time, and I really feel ready to stop. As long as it's in my armoury I'll use it, and things o it get worse.

When we night weaned last time she was always desperate on her morning feed. She would come into the bed first thing and pull on my top/whinge until I fed her, and so this feed will be hardest to stop (doesn't take a morning feed if fed during the night).

Anyone got any advice/suggestions/experience with weaning a child at this age?

Thanks

[SleepForTheWeak]

Bump

[Nan0second]

Jay Gordon method?
drjaygordon.com/attachment/sleeppattern.html

[SleepForTheWeak]

Thanks - I'll have a look. I think it's more the emotional side I'm going to struggle with, but I'm nearly ready.

[Nan0second]

Stopping is a really emotive topic I think. I'm no expert and am only 9.5months in so no real advice. I find I can think best when I've had some sleep, hence recommending night weaning as your start. I think jay Gordon has some advice about daytime weaning too. If it's nails down a blackboard for you, it's totally fine to stop. 16.5months is an amazing gift for your daughter and you should be really proud of yourself x

[SleepForTheWeak]

Thank Nan0 - we have night weaned before pretty effectively so we should be able to manage again, I think it'll be the morning feed I'll struggle dropping the most as she's always so eager for it when she wakes up.

[SecretSpy]

I'd suggest it might be easier to change the whole morning routine rather than lie in with her but not feed. Eg leap straight out of bed and downstairs to choose breakfast and start the day etc.

[TeaBelle]

I did it the opposite way - night feeds were the last to go at 16 months. But we did as secret suggested and changed the bedtime routine so dh did it all for a week to break the habit. Could your oh take a little time off to allow you some physical space if that would be helpful?

Also, dd was down to 2 feeds a day by the time we stopped. 14 days later I was in agony and couldn't pick her up for 2 days so would definitely recommend going as gradually as you feel able

[SleepForTheWeak]

Thanks for the replies. The only feeds she's currently taking are during the night, previous to her starting feeding through the night again she only fed once - when she woke up.

I definitely think we'll have to take her straight downstairs for breakfast to break the habit, only problem is she sometimes wakes at 5.30 which is early to start the day but I guess we'll just have to get on with it.

DH and I currently take night about for putting DD to bed, and was integral to the last time we night weaned. Luckily he's very calm and patient which is key!

How long does it take to break the habit, I suppose in worrying about DD asking for a feed for ages and me not having any milk left?

I'm still struggling with the idea that I wouldn't be able to feed her when she's poorly etc, maybe I'm not ready, but during the night I can't wait to stop!!

[TeaBelle]

I tried putting dd to bed after 4 days and she wanted me to feed her. After 8 days I tried again and she was happy to do non feeding cuddles with me prior to bed.

I think I stopped producing a significant amount of milk at about 16 days, but sometimes still leak slightly