Weaning Help - Henderson,NV

Weaning is not a slam dunk. Is there a reason your friend is weaning now? Is it just because she wants to, or needs to?

Every child is different... weaning does take time. I breastfed both my children... and I let both of them self-wean. My first child weaned at about 2+ years old. My second child weaned by 8 months...he ate so voraciously that I had to supplement with formula bottles and then he just wanted bottles even though I still had milk. I did not force either one of them. Each child is different.

Can your friend just let her child breastfeed at night, and self wean? I know breastfeeding is hard work, but, there is nothing wrong with breastfeeding a 12 month old. The before bed nursing is the hardest to stop. Before bed, can she maybe give breastmilk in a bottle? Or have someone else, besides Mom, give it to her. How about Dad?

Also, from 12 months through 2 years old, a child can have WHOLE milk. It must be whole milk as the milk "fat" in it is critical for brain development. A child also nurses because it comforts them...being close to Mommy and the attachment of it. So yes, it's also an emotional bond and habit. They do grow out of it though. Maybe her daughter is just not ready.
My daughter was the same way. But because I was a SAHM... I let her self-wean. My Hubby fully supported me in it.

One thing though, is "routine." Whether trying to institute a "new" routine or keeping up the same one, there must always be consistency. A transition object or pacifier may also help... my boy has a stuffed animal which he loves to cuddle with and sleep with, he can't sleep without it, and he takes a pacifier to sleep. But yes, a before bed bottle or nursing is what is the usual routine is for most babies and toddlers.

Maybe your friend has to wear something that completely covers up her breasts and something that her daughter cannot grab or pull up to reach for her breasts. They also can "smell" the milk too. So, maybe that won't work. But I know some Moms who have done this. I have also had 2 friends who would actually put Band-Aids on to cover their nipples, and say that it is "owie" and Mommy's milk doesn't work. I know, this is a stretch, but for the 2 women I know who did this, they said it worked. But at 1 years old, I don't know that the child will understand.

Good luck,
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo

Sounds like baby just needs a bit more time. My best advice, is to not rush it, baby can sense that. And baby is also smart to know what works in getting her to go to sleep! You will find that there is not a one size fits all rule, and many people will tell you very different things. I think that mom should just take some time and let baby decide when shes ready. I know personally my daughter never grew atteched to a paci, or a blanket or a bottle. Just me, and although I was ready for that commitment I know what its like (with my other children) to be just DONE. Tell your friend shes doing a great job and to just go slow, whats the rush?

i don't know if site would be helpful. but you might find something.

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/ap/sleep.asp

maybe the child just isn't ready to wean is my first thought.

this has to be done gently and it just takes time. she will go off the breast but it doesn't happen overnight. patience is probably the the first thing. also, have you heard of the "pantly pull off method"? i did a modified versionof this with my son. "the no-cry sleep solution" is a great book with suggestions for this very thing.

it basically entails starting a great bed time routine, let the child lead in what works for them, and really pay attention to it. nurse before bedtime and talk to the child about he/she nursing less at night. then unlatch the child. s/he may/may not get upset then try another method of soothing, then keep sooth by nursing again but unlatch again in a min. or two. ok i'm not the best at explaining this but i suggest that book. it really worked for us when we night weaned.