How to stop breastfeeding my 1 year old

[mango0101]

Please help! As the title says. My little boy is now one ! Won't take a bottle - but will drink from a beaker/ cup. Wants to feed whenever he is around me but fine on the days that I'm back at work... then come night time (we co sleep) feeds to sleep and then feeds throughout the night (more for comfort than hunger during the night) but is waking me up for it about 8 - 12 times through the night just to latch back on and fall asleep again... PLEASE HELP ME

Does he understand "all gone"? That's what I did, but my DS was 2.5. I just kept saying "all gone" and offering the cup.

I didn't co-sleep though, that bit will be trickier for you. Could you wear a sports bra that he can't get into?

It'll take a bit of patience and perseverance I think, good luck!

Following as I’m in completely the same boat!

@SingingSands thanks for replying!!! I'll give all gone a go tonight.. but he's just starts shouting when I unlatch him before he's ready 😂😂😂

This is so hard! It's the constant waking up that's going it for me 😩😩😩

Emma Pickett on Instagram is good for weaning and she has a podcast episode for a "boobie monster" which has been really helpful for me but mine is 2 and still feeding. 😀

He doesn't need to ever use a bottle, and since he will use a cup, bottles aren't necessary anyway.

If you want to stop, I would go cold turkey. Sometimes that's the only way. You may have a few rough days, but it will pass and be totally forgotten about.

My 18 month old is exactly the same. She does actually feed every time she latches on and will unlatch once she's done but it's 6+ times a night, every night, and has been every night of her life. I got sent home from work yesterday because I was walking like I was drunk from being so tired. Saying no to her also leads to a midnight meltdown and that's even more disruptive than just feeding her. So I have no advice I'm afraid, just sympathies.

Well, it probably won't happen by magic.

Reduce feeds down to 3 a day after meals (or whatever suits) and if he asks between those, say 'we'll have some after lunch' etc.

Sleepwise, don't let him fall asleep latched on. Break the latch with your finger when he's drifting off. If he wants to latch back on, let him but break it again when he seems to be going to sleep. Rinse and repeat. You need perseverance but he will eventually go to sleep.

Alternatively, if you have a partner then you sleep elsewhere for a few nights while your partner co-sleeps so milk isn't an option.

Really in your shoes I'd say it's time for him to be in his own room, feed in there then use some form of night training to get him used to being on his own, or some people set up a floor bed so they get child to sleep in there then go back to their own bed.

He might be pissed off at you for changing things around, but you need to hold your nerve and see it through. Being annoyed is not the same as being in distress. Children that age change habits within a few days.

Say no @Fortgeloveofsleep at a point where a midnight meltdown is feasible (no work next day)

You need to go through the disruption if you want improvement. It's very very hard when you're exhausted but your child has learned that a)it's ok to want milk throughout the night and b)if you say no then she can scream and then milk is provided.

There isn't really a gentle way of doing this unless you're prepared to wait it out, which it sounds like you aren't. Various graded methods or just go cold turkey. There will be tears and upset but he will get over it. It will probably be over quicker going cold turkey. Whatever you do accept it will get worse before it gets better, both be on the same page and be resolute you are sticking to it. Good luck.