Bstfd: how to wean at 2yo?

[chindonly]

Hi everyone:-)

I've always said that I would b'f til bub was 2 yo then it would be time for weaning.
So am now at the point - well in 2 mths- of working out the best way to go about it!
I dont want to upset her too much so would appreciate if you could share with me what it is that you did please.
She hasn't been exclusively b/f but a bit of both but she does 'enjoy' the boobie!
If I deny her the boobie she tends to get v.upset.

thanks

[au01]

I just wanted to say congratulations of BFing for so long :yelclap:
I BF my dd2 until she was 18 months and I honestly can't remember how it finished.
I think from memory she just weaned herself gradually.
Probably drop the morning, mid-morning feed first and replace with a cup of milk/water then the afternoon.I know the evening feed is the last one to go.
I'll try to find a link with more info.

[au01]

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/3272.html

[kadownie]

ohh- hard. I'm also feeding my twins who are just two- I'm happy to keep feeding them however I have just put in place some limits as they were going a bit over board- well- I just felt it was time to teach them a few boundaries- particularly as bf a two year old (let alone 2 two year olds) is a bit 'strange' in our culture- sad but true.

I basically explained to them that bf were before/after a sleep and in the morning (unless someone really hurts themselves) and if they asked me while we were out I would say no but offer a lovely cuddle instead. They seemed to get it pretty well and I haven't noticed them asking at all recently.

It's a hard thing- not sure how I will wean them when I decide to- anyway- it's so healthy for them and it's not doing any harm so we will plod on- never thought I would be still bf babes at this age!!

[Goosie22]

Hi,
I have found the more restrictions I put in place with feeding my oldest, the more he wanted it. So I ended up doing the dont offer (unless I needed too;) ) but never refuse (withing the limits we had already worked out between us). That way he felt self assured something he felt he needed was availble if he wanted it. And eventually slowed right down over a period of several months.

[chindonly]

My girl usually only wants boobie before and sometimes after a sleep. And if she gets scared or hurt she seems to want it too!
And I never offer unless she asks for it but admit that if she is crying I do because it really calms her down.
I think its going to be quite difficult.
And I know what you mean by many ppl seeing it as terrible - a 2yo still on the bst! I dont give her boobie in public anymore because of it!
I'm just so aware of the looks and thoughts of others... and I know that my family are thinking 'hey I think its about time' sort of thing.
But I"m not really doing it for that reason I just believe it is time to stop. Just not abruptly thats all.
Oh if there was an easy way!

I will check out that link though later today when I have some time:-)

Yes it must be difficult with 2 of them! Good on You :yes:

[MariaO]

I am still breastfeeding my 19 month old, well, one feed only before going to sleep and have been pondering the same thing. A two year old friend recently self weaned two days before her second birthday and she was very fond of the boob as well (so there is hope that self weaning my occur). I am considering offering her warm milk in her sippy cup with a cuddle before night time breast feed and reducing the amount spent for this last feed. Maybe if you get it down to one feed only and then go from there.