Nursing strike or baby has just decided it’s time to stop breastfeeding?

[Elizabethellen]

My 15 month old eats really well but we still did a morning and evening breastfeed anyway, until a few days ago. She currently has chicken pox and I did notice her tongue looked as though it had ulcers on it, but they seemed to have cleared up. Since getting chicken pox she refuses to nurse. She still displays signs that she wants it if I ask (though she is a bit less enthusiastic) . When I get her into position though she just laughs and turns away. She’s back to eating solids as normal now but not nursing.

If she’s decided it’s time, that’s sad, but also fine. I just don’t want to let my supply diminish only for her to want to feed once she’s better.

Of course I can express to keep the supply up, but keen to have advice on whether it might be the illness or just time to stop??

Also as a side note, I didn’t anticipate breastfeeding for this long, it’s just that she had been adamant about those feeds until now.

My son did the same, got into position then seemed as if he was going to feed and then would laugh, keep offering for a few more days and if she keeps refusing then you know it’s come to an end, well done for doing it so long tho! Xx

Sounds like she might be done! It was a real shock to me when my 13 monther simply got up and walked off down the landing instead of having her bedtime feed.

Hope you don't feel too sad about it, you've done an amazing thing for her!

Mine didn't feel while his mouth ulcers from hand foot and mouth were healing. It was very distressing for me tbh. But he did go back to nursing after 3-4 days actually. But it does sound like she's not that interested anymore.

I mean, in a way, if she has decided to stop, that's a win for you. Weaning toddlers who don't want to stop is a nightmare. I'd be sad too but also love my new freedom.

Before you stop
I recommend you pump for a few days and have a freezer stock so when she gets her winter nursery virus you can give her breatmilk and all the lovely immune boosting magic will help her, i wish i did this

As far as I remember, Jack Newman, BF expert, says it is highly unlikely that a baby of that age would selfwean and more likely to be low supply.. I could be completely misremembering but I would look him up as a search with your query. Obviously if you're happy to stop that's very different.

@Unexpectedlysinglemum That is a really good idea, thank you for sharing. X

@mikado1 I did look him up and he does say that! It could be supply then. I just assume the supply was dropping because she was having less. I think I’ll definitely express for a while then.

My DD gave up at 12 months. They know what they want.

Also try a sleepy morning or night time feed as dc might relax into it a bit more and just the suckling for comfort will help with demand. Of course look at your water and carbo intake too and you could go down the fennel tea route to increase supply if you wish to. Best of luck!