18 Months and Still Partially Nursing

My daughter and I dropped this last feeding at 17 months as it really seemed to be disrupting both of our lives more than adding anything. We had stopped bring her to bed with us for that middle of the night/early morning feeding about a week or two prior to weaning off that feeding altogether. Once all other nursings had been phased out, One day I told her (during the day) that the milk was all gone and when if she woke up she wouldn't be drinking milk. That night and the next we had Dad go in to her when she cried and soothe her. We used what I guess is the Ferber method of going in to soothe, then stepping away, going in after 5 minutes, soothing, then 10, then 15. I dont think we got to fifteen.

Best of luck :)

First of all, good job! You are doing such a good thing for your babies! We nursed (for 2 to 2.5 years each) and co-slept with all three of our kiddos, and I feel so good about it. I actively had to ignore negative voices about both practices. My kids are well-adjusted and easy and they sleep so well.

It's hard to stop that nighttime nursing. I just had to be firm about it. I would say things like, "The milk is all gone at night! I love you. Let me hold you close, because you're my baby and I love you." And I just pushed through it. After about three nights of protesting and heart-breaking sadness, they got it. We slept with ours, so there was still closeness. Maybe try it without the crib? Let him stay in the bed with you, that way he's still close to you and not losing both the intimate contact AND the milk at the same time. You can work on one thing at a time. Just make sure there's lots of loving words and stay firm. If you give in it will be harder the next time--he'll know you are pliable and he'll push that much harder to get his way. Timing is key, too--if you're going to push it, it might be best to wait until after the holidays so you're less tired.

Also, maybe it's not time yet? It all ends too soon, so maybe you could just let it go a little longer, knowing he will be done soon. If you just stop letting it be an issue, it will be less an issue for him and it might just go away on its own, sooner than you think. I think a lot of parenting issues are caused by taking a hard line on something that may not be a big deal, but then it turns into a big deal because it's a battle of wits. One of the best parenting tips I ever got was to pick my battles and let everything else go.

Good luck to you! I hope you find the perfect solution for your family!

He's not even 2 years old yet... I don't even expect my 5 y/o to completely self soothe, be self contained enough to stay in her semi dark room all alone if she's woken up from a frightful noise or dream. Most adults cannot either! Your son is barely a toddler!

Enjoy this time with your son while you still can, because you will NEVER get this time back. Just know this stage/phase will not last forever - tho many Moms wish they could go back to that time.

When I dropped the night feeding around 14 months I simply started offering my daughter a bottle with water instead of the breast. She protested for about 3 nights and then got the idea... she stopped waking at that point - apparently water wasn't quite worth to wake up for.

Does he use a pacifier/binkie??

Dear mom, they are only little once. I have almost the same situation at home, I gave birth to my third baby less than two weeks ago and my daughter who is 2, pretty much nursed until #3 was born. She is super clingy too and I was worried for months about how she would feel with thee new baby and she is fine! I nursed #1 who is 4 for 18 months, 6 months later - gave birth to #2 and he resumed nursing when #2 was 6 months for an entire year! They will stop when they are ready. You are an awesome mom and your kids are so fortunate to have you.