I Think My Baby Wants to Wean, but I'm Not Ready!

Updated on March 27, 2009
J.G. asks from Chicago, IL
5 answers

I'm feeling a little sad because I think that my almost 9 month old daughter wants to wean from breastfeeding. I really enjoy nursing and always thought that I would do a minimum of one year and perhaps even up to 18 months, but it looks like my baby has her own ideas about the matter. :0) I'm not 100% sure if she is trying to wean, but yesterday she nursed only 3 times --upon awakening, after her first morning nap and before bedtime. (She usually nurses 5 times a day). She cried when I offered her the breast after her second and third naps. This morning she cried again when I offered her the breast after she woke up, but she did eventually nurse for quite awhile.

Does this sound like she's ready to wean? Or do you think it's just a phase she's going through? I feel guilty for being "selfish", but I really want her to keep nursing. I really enjoy the bonding and closeness, but I don't want to put her through anything "unpleasant". Do you think she'll change her mind if I keep offering her the breast and eventually stop putting up a fuss or should I offer her the bottle or sippy cup as soon as she starts to cry?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Chicago on

Babies younger than 1 year rarely wean themselves!

What you are experiencing could be caused by a myriad of different things - a potential "nursing strike", she could be teething, you may be experiencing a lower supply due to your menstrual cycle, or she could have just been distracted - all these things could cause your baby to nurse less in a day.

Please don't feel as if you are being selfish - breastmilk is the BEST thing you can do for your daughter AND yourself - if anything, it's the most selfless thing you can do. Bonding aside, you are helping her immune system, providing her with nutrients she cannot get anywhere else, helping to boost her IQ - just to name a few of the many, many benefits of breastfeeding. In addition you are providing yourself with some protection against diseases such as breast cancer.

Check out "The Nursing Mother's Companion" if you haven't already - it's a great resource. And remember, while our society IS making strides toward becoming breast feeding friendly, we definitely need to come a long way. Be careul what advice you listen to - go with your gut and remember that nature doesn't usually make mistakes.

Best of luck - your daughter is one lucky little lady to have a mama that cares so much!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.G.

answers from Chicago on

It's probably just a phase- I think most experts agree that kids will wean on their own between 2-4 years old. She is probably just interested in all the new things she is learning/doing. Check out the La Leche League website for more info.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.B.

answers from Chicago on

I agree, I don't think babies wean themselves, it's the other way around! Maybe she's not getting enough milk.

If your milk production is getting low, which is pretty common around this time, try taking flax seed oil. It will really boost your breast milk. Ideally take 3 tablespoons a day. It will boost your babies brain development and burn fat for you! I was able to breast feed for 2 years with both of my boys by taking flax oil. With my youngest, I finally had to put bandaids over my nipples to get him to stop nursing! Hope you have the same problem :)

Oh, flax oil straight is difficult, try putting it in a protein shake. Good luck! I know it will work for you!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.

answers from Chicago on

No this does not sound like she's ready to wean to me. Sometimes babies have days when they're not super hungry. Sometimes they go on a nursing strike for a couple days. And then they come back to it. Keep offering your breast, especially when she's sleepy, and in a nice quiet place without distractions. I would NOT offer her something else if she cries - just give it a few minutes and then ask her again. She will be fine if her feeding is delayed by 15 minutes. Or even an hour. Babies almost never actually self-wean before age 18 months, though they occasionally have their off days. Good for you for nursing - my daughter is the same age and we're going strong too. I nursed my son for 20 months and enjoyed the closeness and snuggling with him, especially once he got to be such a busy little guy.

1 mom found this helpful

S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I can imagine how you feel. Your baby is growing up, she is trying to explore the world around her and not just interested to be in her mother's arm or held all the time. This is just a phase and eventually she will come to you and ask for the breastmilk, just go according to her wishes. My daughter used to do the same thing, but when she felt tired or sleepy, she would come to me for the breastmilk. I nursed for almost 18 months for both my children and it is a good idea, but as she grows up make sure to give her some source of calcium and iron other than breastmilk, as your milk is not enough. Good Luck.:-)

1 mom found this helpful
For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches