Night weaning toddler that's only ever been fed to sleep

[Mummapeach]

Hey! Sorry if this has already been covered but I'm riddled with anxiety about weaning my 18 month oldShe's only ever been fed to sleep and throughout the night when she wakes (we bedshare)For medical reasons we need to wean. I've conquered the day feeds but I just dont even know where to start with the night. She won't let me rock her (although that's what nursery does) and usually naps in the buggy. I've tried previously but she just screams and pulls at my top and won't take a dummy.I know this sounds ridiculous but I dont even know how to get her to sleep without bf or the buggy 🙈Any suggestions from anyone that has found themselves in a similar position? 🙏🏼

Hello do you mean stop feeding altogether or just feeding to sleep and/or feeding overnight?

If you mean stop altogether if you have time before the medical issue then I'd replace the milk with water and a comforter held up against your boob for cuddles. My eldest still feeds very occasionally these days as well as younger ones, and we have a special milk mouse that she gradually got used to patting instead of feeding. Cuddles need to be accompanied by an acknowledgement of any sadness and confusion at something they don't want being taken away, being taken away.

La Leche League have some advice.

She's going to be upset and it'll be hard for a while. She can express her upset about it but if you need to wean you need to wean.

Do you have time to wean slowly or does it need to be done quickly? E.g can you only feed to sleep initially and then for the wake ups comfort in other ways?

Some people put plasters on their breasts and say 'they're poorly' but that's unlikely to work with an 18 month old.

If you do have time you could try habit stacking (check out Lyndsey hookway on IG she has great advice about this)