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Breastfeeding 19 month old, still waking at night

4 replies

Brainfogmcfogface · 26/09/2020 17:00

Hi, my 19 month old still wakes up 4 times plus a night wanting boob.
I’m a single parent and have a 5 yo who is getting very disrupted sleep too, because LO wakes screaming and we live in a tiny flat with thin walls.
Also when she feeds she is fussy stretching her limbs, and constantly moving so not still at all, she also pinches, scratched and slaps my other boob.
I don’t mind extended feeding but I need to sleep I’m running on empty, it’s just us, there is no one who helps out, and I care for my parents (mum has dementia and father with mobility issues)
I do tell her no, but she literally fights me, pulls at my clothing, screams and this just wakes her up more so getting her to sleep is so much harder. During the day she feeds probably 3/4 times an hour for 2-5 mins at a time. I do distract her though with food and other drinks as much as possible but she’s a determined little thing and will fight to get what she wants

Is there any magical advice that can help? I contacted the HV but they really just spouted the same advice I found on google searches so am hoping that there’s a parent out there whose had the same experience and has some real life advice
Thank you

OP posts:
Ohalrightthen · 26/09/2020 19:17

Your 19m old child is feeding 3 or 4 times an hour? That's insane.

Sleep train overnight, and during the day put on a proper, padded bra and a turtleneck and tell her that milk is for morning and nighttime only. Good meals and snacks, lots of water, and just keep saying no. She can be as determined as she likes - you're the one in charge.

northstars · 28/09/2020 17:58

I night weaned my DC between 18 months - 2 years. It made a lot of difference as they finally started sleeping through (and being less exhausted, I was happy to continue feeding in the day). It worked great for us

northstars · 28/09/2020 17:59

The book “Nursies when the sun shines” helped with night weaning, and it was all quite gentle

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ShinyGreenElephant · 28/09/2020 18:02

We started night weaning around 20m, the first few nights were brutal but were 6 weeks in now and she sleeps through more often than not. It needs a lot of time and patience but can be done without tears or trauma or without having to fully wean. I second the book "Nursies when the sun shines" and also "Milkies in the morning" - they helped us.

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