He's self-weaning - help!

[BlackMaryJanes]

Is it normal for a baby to self-wean from the breast at 14 months? :( This wasn't what I had in mind.

Yes very. Dd1 self weaned at 12 months she just wasn't interested. One of her little mates was the same at 15 months - they moved house and she just seemed to forget instantly about the boob.

DD did at 13 months. I'd turfed DS off at 15 months so wasn't too bothered about her turning her nose up a little early, but I have heard of people who battle through it - try googling 'nursing strike' if you want to try and make him change his mind.

I thought it was very unusual to wean this early? I don't have any issues if this is genuinely what he wants, but the WHO minimum is 2 years, so surely 14 months is not natural?

He arches his back and cries when I try to put him on the breast, but is more than happy to slurp at his sisters cup and get his fluids that way (obviously I try to stop this).

I fear I'm going to end up with mastitis as he refused his feed last night, and again this morning. My breasts are very sore.

It is unusual but not unheard of. Is it a gradual decreasing or has he suddenly stopped? Sometimes when babies over a year go on nursing strike people think it's self-weaning.

self weaning us usually a gradual reduction until they stop. it is unusual at that age but not unheard of. my eldest did. he dropped feeds bit by bit til it had been a couple of weeks since his last feed. a sudden refusal is a strike, often caused by teething or a cold and you can get through it and keep feeding.

kellymom.com/?s=strike