Need help stopping breastfeeding toddler

[Natsku]

DS is nearly 3 and showing no signs of stopping by himself, still wants to breastfeed multiple times a day and gets very very upset if I say no, and I just can't take it any more, my nipples hurt nearly constantly now (no visible damage, maybe nerve pain or something, I dunno but it really hurts when he breastfeeds now) but I don't know how to stop. I don't think I can deal with the tantrums of just saying no every time and I can't distract him all day long. I had planned to go away for a few days as a drastic measure if he wouldn't stop on his own but can't really do that now because pandemic.

You have to put up with the tantrums and not give in.
Do you give into him any time he throws a tantrum?

Wear tight tops that he can’t get into, and keep strong.
Does he go to nursery ?

I don't usually give into tantrums (doesn't really tantrum about much except this) but at bedtime, or when he wakes with a nightmare, I don't like the idea of those tantrums :(

He doesn't go to nursery yet.

Put plasters over your nipples and say they're broken and the milks all gone.
Buy him a new special toy for being such a big boy.

I like second the plasters. If it helps try one breast first with the plaster. And let him feed from just the other one for a few days. Ask him what will happen if the other one gets hurt too to get him used to the idea. Then a few days later just put a plaster on the second breast. Worked with my 3 year old with surprisingly little effort.

Managed to get through until bedtime with no feeds. Two big tantrums but there weren't as bad as I feared but decided I'll just try to cut out during the daytime for now and keep the bedtime one until he gets more used to me saying no boob. Though if the nipple pain gets too bad I can try the plaster method but I think he'll see right through that.

I would speak to someone about the nipple pain - is it's possible you are pregnant? Or have nipple thrush?

Definitely not pregnant. I don't know about thrush, I assumed if I had thrush he'd have it too and I'd see symptoms in his mouth which I don't

You are the parent not him. Just say no.

You are the parent not him. Just say no.

If only all parenting was that easy

I went to only first thing and morning and then dd kind of forgot. Maybe the promise of a last feed would get him through to begin with?

When he wants to feed try distrating him. Play time, reading a book on your lap, somethong on your phone? (Numberblocks app, looking at photos, short educational video on YouTube)

If he feeds, make it short, a few seconds. DD1 stopped feeding at 3. She would do really short ones, sometimes like 3/4 seconds

I would definitely check with GP about nipple pain....

@Shehasadiamondinthesky

You are the parent not him. Just say no.

Exactly. It knight cause him to have a tantrum but he's 3. Capeable of understanding the word no.

No tantrum when I said no this morning, just a bit of fuss. Maybe I underestimated him.

He didn't even ask at bedtime. I seriously underestimated him, he must be ready. If the nipple pain doesn't go away soon when I'm not breastfeeding then I'll go to the doctor but I'm sure its just to do with the breastfeeding, already less sensitive after 24 hours break.