how do i do it?

[Eema]

Hi All! My DS is 10 months old, eats solids during the day, and only nurses to sleep, not even a full meal. I want to stop BFing completely because he is teething and is constantly biting me, and also i found out i am pregnant. I know he is nursing for comfort because that's the only way he falls asleep. Even after having a complete meal he wont give up on the breast. I tried giving him a bottle but he can't stand it (and to be honest i really dont want to give him formula - besides the fact that he cant stand it). His first 3 months i bottle fed him EBM because it hurt too much until i got the hang of it (thanks to the Nipple Shield). Ever since then he is disgusted by the bottle or pacifier. He hardly wakes up at night but if he does its all he wants. I dont have the heart to go cold turkey because i dont want it to be traumatic for him. If i dont offer it when he wants to sleep he'll cry and try to go for it himself... Any suggestions? Any ideas would really be appreciated! Thanks in advance!!!

[Jacksmommy]

I'd stick it out as long as you can. He'll probably self-wean soon because pregnancy usually dries up your milk supply. Offer lots of cuddle time, and have daddy do the bedtime routine once nursing is no longer an option. Your baby will get used to a different routine more easily from a different person.

[Jacksmommy]

I would also suggest giving baby Hyland's teething tablets to help with teething symptoms as well as a cold washcloth to suck on 30 minutes before nursing. It will help curb that urge to bite you.

[DenaM]

I am in a very similar situation that you are in. My son is just over 11 mo. and I want to wean him as well. I too just found out I am pregnant. Plus, he ONLY nurses to go to sleep (4 times/24 hours). What I plan on doing is cutting one feeding out at a time. I will probably start with his afternoon nap, then morning nap, then middle of night, and finally before bed. I ususally nurse him in his room. I have heard that it is better to avoid your "nursing chair" when weaning. So, I am going to rock him in my recliner downstairs until he falls asleep. The problem with that is I am afraid he is going to start the habbit of needing to be rocked to sleep...but one issue at a time. I know it is going to be a difficult struggle at first. Which is probably why I haven't started doing it yet. I am giving him until he is a year old and then I will begin. I don't think it would be best to go "cold turkey" for your comfort and for his. If you can, I would gradually try to wean him. Hopefully, it will only take a few weeks! Let me know how things go! Oh, and congratulations on your pregnancy!

[Eema]

Thanks! and congratulations on your pregnancy as well.. Well, it was going "ok" for the first couple of days but now he started waking up at night.. sometimes my husband or mom would put him to sleep if i leave the room but if he sees me he wants to nurse. and lately when i put him to sleep after trying hard without nursing and then he cries for it he wouldnt let go.. i mean he would wake up if i pull off and wouldnt fall asleep without it.. its tough!! sometimes i feel bad and nurse him without trying too hard to avoid it... 2 nights ago he put his head on my shoulder and i sang to him for 45 minutes where he would fall asleep and wake up if i put him in his bed. the i nursed him for literally 2 minutes and was sound asleep the rest of the night. unbelieveable lol.. i hope but the next 2 months he'll be weaned (before his 1st birthday). My doctor said its "ok" to nurse while im pregnant as long as it's once or twice... i hope it'll be ok.
Good luck to you as well and let me know how things go..

[Jacksmommy]

Many women continue to nurse during a pregnancy. It's not unsafe for most of us. Not saying you should or have to continue - just letting you know that it's generally a safe thing.