Hi Moms,
Well, I think it may be happening...my 16 month old, for the very first time ever, has begun to refuse to nurse. We have nursed at the exact same times of day basically since birth and within the last few days he has simply refused. I usually nurse him before his nap and today, when I sat in the rocking chair with him, he turned his head to the side, said "no" and closed his eyes. My heart sank! He is also refusing to nurse in the morning upon waking and in the evening, too.
My question is this - how do I know if this is just a "strike" or the real deal? I am 11 weeks pregnant with my 2nd and, really, I think my body could use a little break before the next baby comes. I planned to nurse my son as long as he was interested but I have to say that I do feel ready to wean if that's what is happening. What do you think? Should I hold out for a while longer or just let it go?
Thanks for your advice!
T.
Sounds like weaning to me. I've heard that the milk changes flavor during pregnancy - maybe it's just time.
I think he's ready to stop. At 16 months old, this isn't a nursing strike: they typically happen to much younger babies. You said you had planned to nurse him as long as he wanted, and it sounds like he's ready to stop. Give yourself a break until the next one comes. You deserve it!
I nursed my son until he was around 20 months old - I was 25 weeks pregnant when I weaned him and really I was very very ready for him to be done and glad to have the break. I say offer it to him at the usual times but don't push it if he says no. Pump if you're uncomfortable and give him the pumped milk in a sippy if you like. He may start up again in a week and he may decide he's done. You're going to want to wean him (it sounds like?) at some point in the next few months, so if he's initiating it you might as well save yourself (potentially) the struggle of weaning him when he doesn't want it. Good luck with your pregnancy!
When I nursed my son while pregnant with my second, his nursing schedule chagnged. I ended up nursing him only at night before bed, and eventually stopped when I was 6 months pregnant and he was two. My dr. told me my milk probably tasted a little different when pregnant. That might be his issue. I would try cutting back to once a day and see if he decides that he is really done.
Otherwise yea that you were about to keep it up this long.
I would say ... "Here is your sign" He said no, and you do need to take care of yourself since you are pregnant again. I would say that you try your best to explain to him that if he keeps saying no, mommy will not have milk later. I stopped nursing my second son at 15 months after similar situation. He only was upset before nap a couple days, but my body could not do just once a day. He got over it and I gave him warm milk in a sippy a couple times and he did not care for that so he just gave it up completely. One word of warning, when you do dry up it hurt for about 24 hours and then the pain slowly got better over a couple days. Take care.
