Weaning process(Help)

Hi M.,
May I ask how often you nurse now? Do you only do it during the night or at least one other time as well? My daughter also nursed until she was 3 years (plus one month). In the months prior to stopping completely we changed our routine to initially exclude the "during the night" nursing (her favorite), then the morning, leaving only the "right before bed" time. I'd suggest gradually changing your routine vs. all or nothing (this would of course only be possible if you have another option besides during-the-night nursing). There was a lot of crying for about 4 nights when we stopped the during-the-night nursing. I live in a small one bedroom apt. and had to sleep out on the couch (and disturbed many a neighbor, I'm sure!). I made sure that we had a lot of cuddle time before bed and that she always knew that I was there in the nighttime if she called out (screamed out!), but gave her a brief hug and kiss and then went back out to the couch (so that we didn't substitute another during the night activity to keep us both awake!). She continued to nurse for about another year (between 2 and 3) before bed and in the morning, but then stopped abruptly (due to a viral infection which caused painful mouth sores). Had she not had the virus, I think that she would have weaned herself by 3 1/2 (but, who knows!!). It DOES get easier. The fact that you'd liketo change your routine is the signal that it's the right thing to do for you. Given that she's almost 3, I think that you will be able to change things up fairly quickly. You'll find other routines and other ways of providing comfort during the night. Good luck!

It gets easier! My son was 14 months when we stopped. I basically just cut the TIME of each feeding in half each day. So if he normally nursed for 10 minutes at night, I went to 5, then 2.5, then 1, then literally like 30 seconds.

You could try giving her a sippy cup with water to keep by her bed and tell her to take a sip (or, if you have a partner, have them do it so you are not interacting with her -- most likely she just wants mommy time and that's the habit you're really trying to break here).

It does get easier!

I had a "hanger-onner" too. She was a ltittle over three when she totally stopped. I told her "bits" (what she called nursing) were all gone...she lifted my shirt up and said "no they're not!" Then I switched to"bits" were for babies and she was now a big girl and didn't need it anymore. She was sad but didn't ever cry or beg about it. I kept it light and just kept telling her what a big girl she was...took about a week. Keep getting up with her so the comfort is still there, just in a different form. Good job Mamma!

I feel your pain. I weaned my almost 2-y/o because he kept waking up in the middle of the night, and waking up my husband, and my husband said it had to stop. It took about a week.

Of course she will eventually stop nursing-don't be silly. ;)
I weaned my DD at 34 months.
But I night weaned her 1st!
Her most favorite and needed time was after I got home from work (lunchtime).
I agree w/ Julie to make some gradual routine changes.
Honestly, if my memory serves it was only a week or so of fussing.
Best wishes!

I have been trying to ween my 17 month old for about a week now. I let him nurse right before bed and then he goes in his bed. He usually gets up 2-3 hrs later and crys for his mama. I've been picking him up (which I know is a no no) and bringing him into the spare bedroom where I spend the next hour or so fighting with him, but eventually he falls back asleep without. I realize there is an age difference here, but I think no matter what age the child is, the process is the same. I was always like " He will stop when he's ready".... but I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel and my sanity wins this one. Since she is 3 have you tried making up stories to explain why nursing has to stop? My 3 1/2 yr old has me tell stories every night! Or what about a quarter for every night and then a shopping trip on the weekend. Try replacing the night time feeding with another activity.. maybe go lay in her bed with her and tickle her back for a couple minutes, to comfort her.... Otherwise like the Doc. said to me you let them cry and every five minutes you walk into the room to check on them and to tell them that you love them, then leave the room. Good Luck, my heart breaks every night for my son, and last night was one of those nights that I gave in but I know my son best like you know your daughter best. Good Luck!!

My son will be 4 the 24th and still nurses now and then! IF I cared I could wean him now because he's in a lull-- he nursed tonight but I think that's the only time he's nursed this week.

If you wait until she's in a natural lull you'll have an easier time than if you try to wean while she's in a nursing more phase. But if you need to do it now yu need to do it now and she'll get over it!

Yes, this too shall pass. My theory in life as my kids are now 15 and 13.