Tips needed for weaning an almost 2 yr old.

[Mum01]

Hi everyone,

I've been trying or shall I say thinking about weaning my little cherub off the breast. He is almost 2 years old. He has only been having a morning feed for quite a while now- (before brekky and often in bed with me).

He has been drinking dairy milk for about a year now (has a cup of milk before bed) and is happy with that. I have managed two days maximum without breastfeeding him in the morning, but he always seems to remember that it's been a while since he last had a feed from mummy and decides that he wants it, and gets quite upset if he can't have the breast.

I feel terrible for not letting him and think to myself he'll give it up when he's good and ready..and I give in:hugs:. It just seems that he really likes the breast and might need a little bit of help letting go!! The moment he was born, he latched on beautifully, knew exactly what to do and really as far as breastfeeding is concerned was and has been terrific. It's been great overall.

I just thought that with planning to have another baby it would be nice to have some time off in between!!! Does that sound selfish??

Any advice or suggestions from someone who has had similar thoughts/issues would be greatly appreciated..

[Pinky McKay]

Hi mum01

What an intelligent little being - must be all that good mummymilk!

It isnt selfish to want your body back before you start all over again with pregnancy and breastfeeding -you are doing a great job with your little one.

He actually is almost weaned. (honestly!) As he is nursing less and less, the dwindling milk supply with make nursing less and less attractive. You can trust that he will completely wean as he is ready =it's a bit like walking and talking, difficult to rush before tots are ready.

After such a long and beautiful breastfeeding experience it would be a pity to force your toddler to wean from breastfeeding which obviously means a lot to him - for security as much as nutrition.

Please remember the manta "gradually with love" as you wean. The best idea is probably to simply be up before him with a morning drink and a diversion ready so that gradually he nurses less often - it WILL happen. And if you do happen to become pregnant, the pregnancy hormones will probably reduce your milk supply to practically non existent seeing your child isnt actually nursing every day, and then breastfeeding wont be attractive at all.

Best of luck,
Pinky