I'm Ready to Wean, but Child Is Resisting

Updated on August 26, 2007
J.R. asks from Albuquerque, NM
4 answers

My son is 16 months old & my 2nd child. I've been ready to wean for a while now, but out of somewhat laziness haven't started yet. With my daughter, I just substituted solids for a "feeding" one at a time, but he knows what he wants & solids are not it! I'm trying to get out of the house during feedings, but we all know how possible that is on a regular basis. This morning I fed him a big breakfast & milk & he STILL wanted me. He follows me around trying to get up my shirt (typical male ;) crying the entire time! There's no sign of him weaning himself. Any ideas?

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So What Happened?

I just want to thank everyone for their advice. My son is down to nights only & he started eating solids as soon as I "starved" ;) him! He's also becoming less of a mama's boy because of the weaning too. Yeah - my boobs are my own (and my husband's) again!! First time in over 4 years! Thanks again!

More Answers

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M.O.

answers from Albuquerque on

You guys are cracking me up! I think every baby who breastfeeds has an obsession with mommy's breasts! :) It sounds like it's a comfort issue for him. I'm not really sure what to tell you to do, other than just be patient. My son, who is now 3, weaned himself when he was ready. Lucky for me, he was ready right when he turned a year old. He just stopped wanting to breastfeed anymore. Hopefully that will happen for you. Good luck!
-M.
www.mandyolsen.myarbonne.com

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J.R.

answers from Tucson on

I would take it slow with him. Start substituting one feeding at a time- and if he is just hell bent on it- you might want to drop it and wait a week or so and then try again. The art of distraction can help to-- with my daughter I weaned at 15 months- we spent a lot of time out of the house (cause its harder to nurse)- at the park, mall, just out and about. At his age- how many times is he still nursing? Could you get it down to once in the morning and once in the evening? It will be easier to let it go if he only does it a couple of times a day. Good Luck!

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L.P.

answers from Tucson on

J.,
You may be suprised to hear that my second born daughter behaved in the exact same way...(typical demanding female! ha!) Anyway, I can totally relate. I had absolutely no troubles weaning my first born...very mutual the "break-up". However, my second daughter who was extremely demanding of my time and attention (and who still is at 15 for that matter)proved to be very difficult when it came time to wean. I felt ready at about a year but continued to nurse her until around 15 months because I thought she needed the extra time. When it seemed that there was no weaning in site I finally turned to leaving her at my mothers (whom she had spent time with and knew very well). It was a matter of me leaving for a weekend...when I returned she had been unable to nurse for three days. I then made sure that we did not recreate "nursing atmosphere" such as laying with her in "the position". I did however make an effort to find other ways to spend time with just her. I firmly believe that each situation is different and you have to make the decision as to when you are ready to end nursing. Once you have decided that you are ready I think that either something like I did (if you have that option with family or a close family friend) is good or, exactly what you are doing. Let him follow you around but do not give in. Once nursing is not providing the childs nutrition it is mainly a comfort...as long as you provide another source of "close time" with your boy you should be able to move him away from the desire to nurse. Good-luck! L.

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C.K.

answers from Tucson on

There are great articles and advice at www.breastfeeding.com

Hang in there!

-C.

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