Stopping breastfeeding

[momof2bubs]

Hi.. I'm after a bit of advice really!
So my little one is two in a couple of months, and I really think it's time to stop BF. I just don't know how. I've tried cutting down on feeds, but I find it so stressful to say no - when I've looked online it's always advised not to refuse feeds - I don't offer them anymore either.
I just find it so hard sometimes and do find myself saying no, which can get really emotional.. any tips would be so helpful.. thank you 🫶🏼

It might be easier for them to understand if it's just no rather than cutting down. Or at least 'only at bedtime' and then 'not at all.'

If you have a partner I would get them to settle them for night wakes for a few days while they get used to it.

I'm not sure where you've been looking online, but there's nothing wrong with refusing feeds. It involves two people, and both of those have to want to do it for it to work. Nearly two years is an incredibly long time to breastfeed for, so if you want to stop now that's totally fine.

Im currently weaning my just-turned-3 year old and even at this age I'm finding it hard. I wasn't able to do it gradually, I tried, so in the end I just did lots of pre-warning 'after your 3rd birthday it will be time to stop having Mamma's milk' and then stopped. First couple of nights were hard, she cried and it was hard to stay firm but we are now on night 5 and the last 2 nights have been a bit easier (although still some upset about it when she wakes at night). I offer other comfort instead when she's upset though so she's not just being left to cry but she's just not getting the milk.

I stopped when my daughter was just over two. From memory I think I used to offer her a snack sometimes or distract her with toys etc. and gradually cut down on feeds to just nap times, then just bedtime. Don't feel bad about saying "no" it's your body. I also read her a book called "Booby Moon" which was a nice story about saying goodbye to breastfeeding in a positive way. When it was time to stop completely I put plasters on my nipples and told her the milk was all gone. She was a bit miffed but honestly it wasn't the big deal I thought it would be. Good luck!

Oh thanks so much for the replies/support/advice. It's much appreciated ❤️

I think I have to be firm and stick with distractions or toys/snacks, and saying no, dropping feeds gradually.

Honestly, it's so nice to hear about bf weaning from others too - sometimes you feel like you're the only one!

I will definitely try this book out too - I've heard about it before but not looked into it, but it does sound like it works!

Thanks again.. hope you have a lovely day! 🙂👋🏼

I'd just offer water instead of snacks at night though (DH thought snacks were a good alternative and instead just created a 3am rice cake wake up ...).