Extended BF'ing mommies (2 years plus)

How do I stop now without major tantrums or me slipping into a depression?

DD is 27 months old and we have been happily down to once at night for almost 6 months. I know she can go to sleep without it as we went out once and my mom put her to bed. But I am so nervous about weaning. I am nervous she is going to flip out and cry and scream or even if she falls asleep easily, she will wake up later, screaming for me because she realized what she did.

I am also worried that she will wean really easily and I will feel rejected and become depressed. What is wrong with me?

Any tips on making this painless?

Re: Extended BF'ing mommies (2 years plus)

i dont have any experience in this yet but you can check out mothering.com- there are all sorts of breastfeeding forums....
good luck!

Re: Extended BF'ing mommies (2 years plus)

If DD was able to go to sleep without it that one time, perhaps you and DH should go on an over night vacation just the two of you and that can be the beginning of the end of BFing. It could be both a celebration and a way to get your mind off of it. Good luck!

Re: Extended BF'ing mommies (2 years plus)

With my ds...at 27 months he was down to once a day as well. I just slowly started shortening how long he was on and then eventually we were down to nothing. He actually didn't seem to notice much and did much better than I thought. HTH.

Re: Extended BF'ing mommies (2 years plus)

Wean when you are 100% ready. One day the switch will flip for you, and you will just feel done with it. Make it about you. If she tantrums remember that you matter too, and that it is your job to help your child learn to handle disappointments -- not to fulfill every demand when they become unreasonable. If she doesn't tantrum than be proud of her for growing up and feeling so secure. Sounds to me like you aren't sure you want to stop yet.

Re: Extended BF'ing mommies (2 years plus)

My daughter weaned at about 27 months. She was down to nursing only once or twice a day. We went on our honeymoon for 4 days & when we came back, she asked for milk once & insisted. I nursed her & cried because I remember thinking that was probably our last time. After that, she didn't ask again for 2 or 3 days. I just told her "Not right now..." & got her interested in something else. I think she asked once more again a few days later & I did the same thing. That was the last time she asked. I'll be honest, I felt sad for a little while that that special part of our relationship was over. I felt like weaning was a huge step towards her growing up.

Are you sure you are both ready to start weaning? If you are, maybe when she wants to nurse, try what I mentioned above- tell her maybe later & distract her with something else. Try telling her it's because she's a big girl now & maybe try rewarding her with big girl things & activities.

I was worried too that weaning meant DD didn't really need me anymore, but that's not true at all. I came to realize that she is going to need me in different ways as she grows up. Weaning is just one of the first of many times that we as mothers have to let go a little. It's hard. Don't be upset with yourself if she has a tantrum. You aren't doing anything wrong. You should be proud of yourself for nursing for so long, & if she does wean easily, just be proud of your DD for growing up.

Message edited 5/26/2009 7:54:25 AM.

Re: Extended BF'ing mommies (2 years plus)

Thanks for the support, ladies. I really feel like I should do this soon as she is 27 months and very verbal and already telling me "mommy's milk is delicious" I don't want one of those freak kids who nurses at seven or eight years old.

Maybe DH and I need a weekend away...