Just when I was ready to wean my 2yr 8 toddler he started nursing like mad

[julinka]

Hi everyone

Just looking for some advice regards weaning of older children.I have been very comfortable with breastfeeding my DS but recently feeling that perhaps I am ready for the next stage.However, I am starting to have doubt that my DS is not.

He has always been very demanding regards breastfeeding and thankfully I have been blessed to have enough of supply :).

I exclusively breastfed until 11 months(and he was 11.5 kg at the time).

Naturally,we have co-slept(well my DP has moved to another room pretty much as our DS has been spreading himself in our bed and pushing us both out :) ).

About 3 months ago we got him his own bed but it is still in our bedroom(we have a small flat and guest room is very tiny).

His nightime nursing pattern varies. When I am too tired I nurse him to sleep.But when I have enough energy I talk to him,reading hundreds stories and after 1,5 he eventually falls asleep( but it is a "fight" ). He still wakes up in the night and climbs to my bed and nurses.

5 weeks ago my DP took him to visit his family in France and was away for 5 days.I was hoping "he would forget" about my "boobies" but when he saw me he wanted to nurse.Apparently he was fine without me, going to bed later than usual and waking up early morning asking for me but he was fine.

Recently,however, his nursing frequency increased considerably.He is literally attached to me in the night and asks for nursing during the day very often.

I have no idea why, it migt be teething or going through growth spurt.Also, he starts nursery for 2 days a week in January.So I am bit concerned, whether is the right time to wean him off, perhaps too many changes going on?.

I am used to not having enough sleep in the night, so that doesn't bother me as much but do miss sharing a bed with my partner etc.He is very understanding though.

So just wondering if you have any tips regards weaning off your precious angels in the best possible way, especially the older toddlers/children.

Many thanks if you got to the end, sorry for a long post.Wanted to explain the whole picture.

I'd start by dropping the night feeds. He doesn't need them because he's hungry, it's habitual and comforting. Start him off in his own bed and return him gently if he comes in to your room. Move DP back in and make it clear there isn't room. Explain to him what you are doing and repeat it when he comes in "you're a big boy now, so you sleep in your own bed, let's have a cuddle then in you get and off to sleep". Give him a glass of warm milk before bed (or bf him to begin with). At night leave a sippy cup with water by his bed.

Once you've cracked the nights then offer an alternative drink in the day and a cuddle. When he asks to nurse explain "you're a big boy now, so you drink from a cup".

It won't be easy, he's going to protest a bit but stay calm and consistent. He'll get more upset if you aren't clear or of bethinks a big enough tantrum will change your mind. Good luck