Denied the boob tonight and feel very guilty and sad, but it is time....

[MissingMyMarbles]

DD2 is 18 months next week. I had hoped she would stop asking and I would stop offering like her big sister, but nope, sadly not to be. She hasn't been bothered for boob when I've not been around for long enough now (I work shifts) but has been quite demanding when I have been. We night weaned a while ago, to improve sleeping rather than get her off the boob. Day times needed a bit of distraction at times and I gave her it if she was not distractable, so I've done this very gently. DH has been doing bedtimes this week but he's away this evening..... She asked, and cried when I told get no but I told her I would feed her if she still wanted more milk after she'd finished her cup. Remarkably, she was fine with that and cuddled in and went to sleep, but I feel a real mix of emotions. Guilty that I said no, and she cried, albeit briefly; sad that it's nearly over (still doing first of the day, but expecting to drop that by the end of Jan), happy that I've done it for so long, proud she's growing up, and a bit sad about that too. It is time though; I need my body back (feel guilty that that may be selfish too ). Just had first period back and definitely considering another before I'm too old.
I haven't stunted her developmentally somehow by denying her before she's ready have I? [there needs to be a crazy-face emoticon] Somewhere, I do know this not to be the case, as I said, really mixed emotions....

Just wanted to give you my congratulations, sympathy and say I know exactly how you feel. I stopped feeding DS, 18 months today, the night before Christmas Eve. I hadn't planned to, but MIL put him to bed and it was fine. DH did it the next night, and after that he didn't even ask!

He asked a couple of nights ago, screwed up his mouth about to cry, then changed his mind and said 'cot?'.

I've been making the most of daytime cuddles, bit enjoying the easier/ quicker bedtimes much more than I'd expected! He's definitely the last baby, so it seemed so final.

I'm sure your DD will be fine with it. And you will.

I have nothing to add to make you feel better, but I'm interested in how this went for you. My DD is 22 months and only fed before bedtime now and has been that way for a while. I, like you also feel that it is the right time to stop and intend to stop for the first time tomorrow night. I feel really guilty, there isn't really any particular rush for me to do it now, but I just feel its time. Not sure whether I will be able to do it, I really enjoy our little cuddle time before bed as she isn't a cuddly child the rest of the time. Well done for making the break! I'm dreading tomorrow, my husband is going to be putting her to bed and I know there is going to be tears. Might have to pop out!

I think you've done pretty well, keeping going for 18 months when you work, too. Nowt to feel guilty about.

Hello I'm joining in.

My daughter is also 22 months and I'd like to stop now, it's just taking over too much as she wants to feed on demand. All the time.

Any advice and tips?

Congratulations, you have done amazingly well, I am glad its not been too difficult.

We have started night weaning ds who is 17 months and I sort've miss the snuggles but we all need some sleep.

Thank you for the support, ladies

Still feeling a bit emotional about it all. I came in from work the other morning and she wasn't even going to ask, I don't think, until she saw them when I got out of the shower She really isn't all that bothered. She is still asking of a morning a bit but she doesn't stay latched for very long now.

Thank you, Waiting. I do know that, but it is time. She's not that bothered, thankfully. I think for me, there is some degree of 'my baby is growing up'.

It's hard isn't it? I had to nightwean DS1 when he was 24 months as I just couldn't take the 3 times a night wakenings for comfort milk (I was shattered).

It was a horrible experience having to sit there and tell him no while he was filled with rage and tears :-( He did bfeed for a few months after that but my supply had dropped so much, eventually I had two nights out and when he latched on the night after he complained there was hardly anything there so wanted his cup. Took a month of him 'testing' to see if there was enough mummy milk left before taking his cup of milk, before eventually he decided there was nothing there and he only asked for his cup.

I felt pleased (selfishly) to have gotten my body back, but sad that it was all over. It's a hard time - sometimes I think it's harder for mums than for toddlers :-)

Thank you, Eletheomel; I think you understand exactly where I am

I'm not there yet (DD is 9 mo), but I feel for you because I'm already sad at the prospect of bf ending. I'm finding it hard enough missing feeds during day now (I just went back to work) and I nearly jumped down my mum's throat when she suggested I switch DD to formula during days that I'm working. I will be very, very sad when we stop bf altogether.

You have to also think how lucky you've been... I stopped producing enough milk at 3 months and had to do a quick switch to formula to satisfy DS - I was devastated as wanted to do at least a year of bf. I have to say, though, breast feeding is the most lovely, pleasurable, relaxing, close, loving thing to do with your baby. I loved every second of it. You should all be proud you've been able to go so long... wish I had.

How is it going Marbles?

I have night weaned ds and I am worried that my milk may have dried up a bit.

Its horrible giving up, you don't want to reject them and you don't want them to be confused why you won't give them mummy milk anymore. I really do think its harder cor us mums. I worry when when quit completely that our special bond won't be as strong which is silly really but its still there in my mind.

Hope your both doing ok.

We're ok thank you, Nacho. She's not been 100% today, and had a proper paddy at bedtime, but interestingly she didn't ask for a breast feed; just wanted, cuddles, blankie and her cup. I wondered if I should feed her but decided that if she wasn't asking, I wouldn't offer and she fell asleep.

You're right, Chilli. I know how hard it can be: feeding DD1 was not so straightforward as it has been this time round. I was gutted when she finished as well.

That's a positive step missing that even though she was having a tantrum she didn't ask.

Hope she's feeling a bit better now.

Been a tough one today We've had a hard weekend because (unusually) I did two shifts together, then had to go in on Monday morning as well. We've had a busy dat today and then belt due at 4ish. I did tell DD, when she pulled at my top, that she didn't normally have mummy's milk at that time and would she like a drink. She did but if she hadn't, I think she would have had boob...

Meltdown* at 4ish. Stupid phone!