Still 2 year old bub!!

[petals4]

Hi. Does anyone else have this issue or had this issue..my daughter is 2 and 3 months old and is showing no signs of stopping. I mainly feed her at night and when she wants to sleep. How can I wean her??? HELP!!!

[Pinky McKay]

Hi Petals4
Im grinning here - my girls weaned much later than 2! The world average weaning age is 4 years so somebody somewhere is pushing up our average arent they?

I guess what Im saying here is that perhaps your toddler is expressing a need -if you are quite happy, she will eventually self wean (I promise!!)

If not, there are different weaning styles - motherled, babyled and 'mutual' weaning. Some mums find they can distract their child during the day using a 'dont offer/ dont refuse' policy then just give a bedtime and morning breastfeed. Eventually, being up before your tot in the morning with a drink and snack ready when she wakes will help her taper from the morning feed and several weeks or months later (what works for you but please dont try and drop more than a feed a week), you can 'wean' her onto a bedtime story and a cuddle -or you could try being out one night and let dad put her to bed. Soon your dwindling supply will see her losing interest quite naturally.

Of course if your little one really isnt ready or there is upheaval ( such as toilet training/ childcare/ teething) in her life right now (toddlerhood is a time of huge changes due to so much development), she may wake at night, become clingy and generally let you know, so its best to follow her lead and remember the mantra "gradually with love" as you wean. Often simply relaxing can make your child feel more secure and weaning becomes naturally easier, whereas if you try too hard to push your little one away, they often cling and nurse more.

You may find a book "Mothering Your Nursing Toddler" helpful - this is available from the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Pinky