Ds very sad after stopping bf at 2.3

[Cies]

and I feel so guilty. I decided to wean him off the breast, he was basically bf on demand until up to a couple of months ago. I really want to ttc, and it wasn't happening while bf.

Ds took to the reduction of daytime feeds fine, and morning feeds went ok too. But last week we stopped bedtime feed,a nd he's just changed his character. Weepy, clingy, sad, glum. But he won't let me cuddle him muc. We've had some success with snuggling up on the sofa when he wakes up and reading stories, but he still takes a long time to wake up properly.

He used to be sucha happy little boy. Have I screwed him up for life? Any experiences of this?

What have you swapped for the BF at bedtime? I stopped at a similar age and instead of BF, I let DS fall asleep on me or had a lot of cuddling before he fell asleep.

No advice, but I'm hoping to night wean my almost 2 year old DD soon so will be watching for tips...

Sorry, I posted and ran - trying to keep off the computer as ds associates it with feeding. Thanks

At bedtime I tried offering a cup of cow's milk, with limited success. He said he wanted a carrot, so he got a carrot So for the last week he has been snuggling up with me in bed, reading stories, munching on a raw carrot. Then I lie down with him and he takes between 15-60 minutes to go to sleep.

I realise he misses it very much, but I don't want to go back to bf now. I was just wondering if this sadness and clingyness had happened to other children, and how long for, and what if anything I can do.

Bump

oh Cies, I know you are feeling sad about this, but the carrot thing did make me laugh (i actually laughed out loud in real life).. that's so sweet!

I am as certain as I can be that you haven't screwed him up for life. Have there been any other changes that might account for his change in behaviour? or do you think maybe you'r ejust noticing these things more because you're wondering if there is a link?
it might just be coincidence, especially if he hasn't seemed upset about not breastfeeding and hasn't asked for it and stuff?

I can't remember DS being more clingy but I didn't stop completely in one go, it sort of tapered out and he asked occasionally.

Is he getting ill? DS asks if he's got a cold etc.

It could be that you're noticing his behaviour more because you've stopped - previously you'd offer boob without thinking but now you need to find a new way iyswim?

Thanks, you're very perceptive :-)
And you're right that I would have offered boob at these moments.
Actually, yesterday afternoon he was much happier because he was with cousins and grandparents, which keeps him occupied. I suppose it'll take a while but he'll get over it.