strange question-affectionate 3 year old

[jaynee]

Hi everyone,

I love the new board, but it wouldn't let me log in at all, so I had to re-register. I am therefore not a newbie!!

Anyway, I weaned my dd last July at 31 months. I have questioned this decision several times, but had such incredible back pain due to the breast weight that I really was at the no choice point. She had acid reflux problems 2 weeks later. We solved that crisis, then she became fascinated with my breasts. I consulted an LC & she told me that was perfectly normal. But now she is way overly affectionate. She has always loved kisses & hugs, but she now kisses me up my arm & every 5 seconds sometimes! It's at the point that I've had to talk to her about being appropriate. I hate doing that about affection!!! She is now 34 1/2 months old. Since the affectionate thing started a week ago or so, she is over the top with my breasts-she wants to touc & feel & squeeze when going to sleep & kisses them (any cleavage showing-not the nipple or anything as she has no access) every chance she gets. This is kind of funny, but concerning on the other hand. Has anyone else had this type of situation? Is this something I should be worried about - does it mean she's seen something inappropriate? Lord knows where that would be. She does go to a sitter twice per week, but she's state licensed & I haven't seen anything that warrants concern.

I have been so tempted to start relactating a few times, but that would be confusing plus I'm back at square one with my back. I also need nose surgery which was an issue while nursing. I am also considering a breast reduction-anybody have any experience with that????!!!!! I'm 45 so no more babies!! Well, I will stop rambling, but if anyone can shed some light on my silly girl, I would be grateful!!

[SunnySouth]

I think what your dd is doing is very common. All of my dc have done this. Even my oldest who was formula fed from day 1. Enjoy it while you can. It most likely will pass, like all other phases.

[Bs_mommy_illy1]

Don't worry that is common. It starts going away with time. My DS weaned in February and he was doing the same thing months after he had weaned. He would even try to pull my shirt down and latch on or he would try to grab them for comfort too. He thought pulling my shirt down and trying to latch on was funny and he would reach down my shirt and grab them for comfort. Especially when he was tired, hurt or sick. I finally got him away from grabbing mine, by telling him to hold his own nipple. lol Now when he is drinking his milk before bed out of his sippy cup he puts his hand down his own shirt. I guess for now it is better than him grabbing mine and I figure just like kids eventually kick the thumb sucking habbit, he will stop someday too.
For now it is kind of funny. :)

[jaynee]

Thanks for you replies; this crazy overly affectionate stuff passed as fast as it started. She's still very affectionate, but more appropriately now. I have grown children, so I know that this passes way too soon! That is too funny about telling your son to grab his own nipple!!! I'm just resigned that she will be trying to nurse or at least touch "nursies" when tired/stressed for a while to come!

[tabatha]

Very normal indeed. My ds does everything you have explained as well. It will only last a very short time in a great span of things. Enjoy it while you have it, soon she will be 20yrs old, believe me i know....

[steelady]

DS does this still (5 y/o, autistic).

When it seems like he is going in for a snuggle in public, I just tell him "that's for home" and he mostly gets it.

[Clausius]

Both my older kids did something like that at around that age. I think moving from baby to big kid can be a bit scary for them, and they need that extra bit of comfort. It can drive you crazy, but it passes, and then you miss it!

[jaynee]

I know she will stop soon enough!! She is now 37 1/2 months old & still reaches down my bra when tired or ill!! Sometimes she just wants to touch! As long as it doesn't emotionally damage her future sexuality, which I don't think it will, I have no problem with it. As most has said, soon enough it will be gone & she will be too independent!!!

[katbowling]

My daughter is not only grabby but also sings to her boobahs and has tried to feed them cookies. Because we are starting to get around to weaning I've tried to tell her these are my boobahs, not her boobahs. I've shown her where her boobahs are. At daycare now, she points out her teacher's boobahs, to which she has had the explanation, "Your mommy has boobhas; I have breasts."

[Daisy]

If she really gets too touchy for you I would designate a chair or part of the couch as a cuddle spot. That's my only suggestion :)