Need help weaning

[CatSoup]

I've finally lost the battle against low milk supply. I've only had about 2 ounces a day for him for the last couple of months,and now it's finally gone. At this point I've done ALL I can. He refuses the breast completely during the day,and wont let go at night. It's getting painful to nurse all night. I've got no milk left,so he's basicly using me as a binky and I just can't take it anymore. I miss sleeping well. :(

How can I get him to unlatch without without facing his 'wrath'?:gig:
I don't want him to be upset,but I'm just not enjoying trying to BF anymore.

[shayanders]

How old is he? I think that makes a difference in how you wean...

[LianeV]

Cat,
Have you considered the possibility that you just don't "warm up" to the pump. It's got to be hard to get your milk to let down for a pump. Is it possible that during the night is the only time you relax enough for your milk to let down? If he's sucking all night, you're making milk. But, I KNOW what a pain in the butt it can be to go to sleep nursing and wake up nursing. I'd love to try to help you work it our without weaning yet. I do understand your frustration, though. Maybe there's a workable option for both of you. Let me know if you want to try some more. Maybe you need a break, like a getaway, even just overnight. Sometimes that can work wonders for the "too much mommy time blues."

[CatSoup]

I don't mind the nursing all night as much as I dislike having to give in and make him a bottle anyway. :(
I do have let downs when I pump, but I don't even get an ounce anymore.

He's 7months BTW.

[Marina]

I'm no expert, but it sounds like he's reverse-cycling.

In other words, he's nursing at night to make up for what he's missed during the day.

Personally, I found the pump was no indication of what I was actually producing. I had a hard time with the pump; once in a while I would feel let-down, but it wasn't often. I would get so excited whenever I got more than 2 ounces in a bottle!

My kid is almost four and still nursing, so believe me when I tell you I had plenty of milk to sustain her.

How's your guy's weight? Is he eating any solid foods at all? Is weaning something you WANT to do? If you are okay with nursing at night, why do you feel the need to make up a bottle? I'm not sure I understand that part. Do you work? Or are you home with him throughout the day?

He's also at an age that during the day, he is easily distracted by the world around him. I found that at that age, dd nursed less -- unless I made a point to take her to a dark room with no distractions! I found that a nursing necklace helped A LOT -- she nursed while playing with the bobbles around my neck.