Seeking Advice on Weaning My Almost 18 Month Old from Nursing

T.,
Please do not quit cold turkey. You have done a wonderful thing to nurse your baby for so long. I nursed both my guys until they were around 24 months. (Really, only in America is nursing for only a few months considered normal. Most other cultures nurse much longer.)
My suggestion is that since she is only nursing for nap and bed time, to first distract her from the nap nursing. Hold her and rock her or walk around or whatever so she will go to sleep without nursing. After you get to the only-night nursing for a while, then try to get her to go to sleep a few times without nursing. Finally, then, pick a time and eliminate that final nursing as well. You can probably do all these steps in the course of a month gradually, and it will be less traumatic and a gradual, natural process.

Best wishes, and congratulations on your fine family,
K.

I don't think cold turkey is fair to her, seeing as how nursing is a comfort issue for her. Instead of doing night time feedings, try a slightly warmed sippy cup of milk. My 15 month old son has weaned himself down to 2 nursings a day (first thing when he gets up and last thing before bed). I plan to do that as long as he likes. It's a small sacrifice on my part, and I really enjoy the special quiet moments with just the two of us, especially at night, after a busy day. It's relaxing for me and for him. I'd leave the bedtime nursing for last, as far as cutting it out. Try nixing the naptime session.

Hi T.-

I noticed that this months Clintonville La Leche League meeting is on weaning. It's short notice but the details are below if you are interested in attending the meeting. -S.

The next meeting of the Clintonville La Leche League will be Tuesday, July 10 at 7:00 pm. We will discuss the topic "Weaning: Tips and Techniques" after discussing current breastfeeding concerns.

Our meetings are held in the meeting room of Whetstone Library, 3909 N. High Street. All pregnant or breastfeeding women and their babies are welcome. We hope to see you there. Questions? Call Maureen ###-###-####) or Suzanne ###-###-####).

T., I had planned on nursing my son for the first year, and figured that I would wean between 12 and 18 months. However, at 18 months, he just did not want to let go of the nursing. I work part time and the days that I worked, he wanted to nurse when I got home, even for just a minute, for the comfort. I decided, rather than quit cold turkey, I would just wait until he was ready. If he could not be distracted from nursing, I would basically give in. One day (at 20 months), instead of crying until he nursed, he was able to be distracted and each day was easier. Maybe your daughter just needs a little bit more time.