I never thought I would have to wean one...

[cjmotherof4]

I have 4 children. My first 3 weaned themselves at 15 mos., 18 mos., and 18 mos. Now I have a 26 month old that is still wanting to nurse every couple of days or so. I don't mind nursing her some but she tends to ask at inconvenient times. Like while talking to my Mom's doctor in the doctor's office, while I'm eating at the table, when I'm reading a book to the other kids. I see a pattern of wanting or needing my attention so I try to do something different with her to help her but she insists by pulling up my shirt and literally trying to stuff her hands in my bra.

I try to hold her off but ultimately she wins out or she becomes a screaming mess groping me and begging. I hate to hurt her feelings but nursing isn't as comfortable for me anymore (physically) as her latch feels like mostly teeth and I don't think there is much if any milk. She doesn't seem to understand (or care) if I try to tell her to wait until later.

I have never been at this point before and really need some suggestions.

[Bama_5]

Any suggestion I'd make would take a bit of time to work. I don't have a quick fix.

At this stage, it is common to find a specific nursing spot and teach dc that you only nurse in that spot. A rocker in the nursery, a living room chair, can even be in the car if you prefer.

When dc are ready nurse, say "just a minute we have to get to our spot (seat, chair, place, whatever "YOUR" word for it is going to be"

Make dc wait a few seconds for you to get there, each time take a few more seconds or minute to locate spot to teach waiting.

Eventually, when you are out, you can say "Yes, we will just as soon as we can get home to our spot".

I'd recommend teaching waiting with other stuff too so, waiting isn't only equated with nursing. This way it is learned quicker and not a negative association. I do this gently. When toddler wants a toy, sometimes (not every time) I say just a minute, mom has to wash her hands first (cut up this fruit - whatever you are doing during the wait time - announce it out loud so dc hears your soothing voice and learns you are hearing the request but is still waiting).

Sorry I"m typing in choppy chit chat talk - no time to focus on sentence structure. It is times like this I usually don't respond and wait on someone else to respond but for various reasons, I'm responding anwyay today.

HTH and made sense to you. MOre later, if time allows or if you have questions.

Bama

[Bianca]

I am having the same problem with my 15 mo. This is the first time I have nursed and I just want you to know your not alone my daughter also co-sleeps with my husband and I which is also difficult because if and when she wakes up in the night she wants to nurse which breaks up my sleep. I will try to use the advice that was given.

Take care,
Bianca

[cjmotherof4]

It was weird. Once I wrote that she didn't ask to nurse again for days! The next time she nursed was Tuesday, February 5th and she hasn't asked to nurse since! I guess weaning her isn't as hard as I thought. She must have been have a needy day and now it seems to be going better.

Thanks for the tips though. I'll keep them in mind in case she decides she wants to try again. I think I'm almost finished with my milk too. I noticed feeling kind of hard in my breasts yesterday but that has passed.

No matter how they wean, it is always bittersweet. I will miss having a small baby....