20m old suddenly asking (screaming) for breastfeeding all the time

[JofraArchersFastestBall]

Hello. I don't know what to do. My toddler was down to a couple of feeds a day - one before her nap and one before bed. She's had a horrible cold for the last three and a half weeks (I've spoken to the dr - he thinks just a couple of viruses in quick succession...) and she's miserable and very clingy.

She's started asking for breast milk all the time and getting very upset if I say no. It's literally all she wants to do and it's driving me mad. I don't want to say no to her because clearly she needs the comfort, but it's painful and exhausting (she's up multiple times in the night too and can't be calmed without feeding)

Has anyone been through anything similar and come out the other side? What should I do? Any tips or advice would be very gratefully received.

Hi. No advice I'm afraid, but solidarity as am in a very similar position with my 18 month old, who was down to one feed first thing in the morning, but following several weeks of being off colour with tonsillitis is now obsessed with breastfeeding, not wanting solids, and very unsettled at night if not attached to me! He's still not back to good health/his normal self, so finding it difficult to pull back on feeding until he's properly better and wanting to eat food again, but feels like we've gone back to newborn days... Hoping somebody has some wise words for us both!

Unf, I'm sorry (but also quite glad) to hear that I'm not alone @SpecialKtheoriginal

Let's hope that they're both feeling better soon and somehow get back into better habits.

Same here with my 19 month old. It's a right bugger. I've started refusing feeds again. Distracting him with other things but by god its hard.

I'm sorry you're struggling, it's hard isn't it? I have 4 children and these phases do come and go. If your dd is feeling poorly, not only will she be after the comfort, but on a physiological level, if her appetite for food is low, the milk will be really helpful, not to mention the antibodies etc. So although it's hard, knowing that what's happening is a very natural reaction/process and very good for her, might help you get through it. And you will get through it! Once she's on the mend, she'll get back to her old habits. Meanwhile, is co-sleeping an option so that you can get more rest?