Does anyone have any advice on how to stop nursing my 2 year old daughter?

Question

Like I said my daughter turned 2 in April and she is showing no signs of wanting to ween herself. One of my biggest concerns is that I have to go back to work soon and she isn't going to be weened. Any suggestions will be helpful.

Answer 1

"Don't offer, don't refuse" may work for you. Or, learn to substitute a cup of water, juice or cow's milk (if tolerated), or solid food, for the baby or toddler's least important feeding. Sometimes Dad (or another relative) can help by taking the baby to the kitchen for a good breakfast--Daddy style. This can become a special time for both of them. (And you get some extra sleep!) For mealtime feeds, try to offer food first, with a short session at the breast for later. Avoid sitting down in your special favorite "nursing chair." If your child won't nap without breastfeeding, sometimes a car ride will get him or her to sleep.

The nighttime feeding is usually the last to go. Make a bedtime routine not centered around breastfeeding. A good book or two will eventually become more important than a long session at the breast. Your child may agree to rest his head on your breast instead of feeding. Talk to your child about what's going on. He may understand more than you think.

A lot of extra love and attention in other forms will be needed now. Try getting out more, to the playground, a friend's house, shopping, museums, anything your child will be distracted with and stimulated by. Read stories, rub or scratch their little back, sing and dance. It's a whole new stage in your growing child's life. You will still be needed, just in different ways.

Answer 2

I nursed all 3 of my children, and the only way I weened the older 2 was to just stop, the first one I weened at 19 months no problem switched to bottle, the 2nd one he was about 2 1/2 and never took a bottle so one day I just stopped and he cried for it to go to sleep the first night and was fine without it after that.

Answer 3

The ONLY thing that worked to ween my daughter at 2 1/2 years old was to put hot sauce on my nipples, I know it sounds horrible but I really felt like I was never going to be able to get her off. I couldn't just sit there and let her scream bloody murder. So one day I just used it and it was like so easy she was like "oh that's gross" (it wasn't a very hot one, only like Louisiana hot sauce, don't use like Tabasco or anything like that it's too hot) and only asked a couple more times that day but each time I put hot sauce by day two she was weened. She is now four and still remembers she say's "Remember when I use to eat nini (that's what she called it) and then it was hot and I didn't like it anymore?" I laugh when she brings it up. Well hope this helps. Good Luck

Answer 4

I am a male and maybe you rather have female advice but at 2 she should have already been weened and sipping out of sippy cup. I am guessing at 2 she is talking I have yet to see one that wasn't and although they can be fussy then can understand what you are saying and tell her time to move to the next stage - by-pass the bottle she is past this as well. now is the time to begin potty training. a child is only going to learn as much as you are willing to teach them. You hear how smart kids are genetically born this isn't true. children that are smart had parents getting an early start with education. you will be surprised how quickly they learn. they have flash cards to help them learn things I suggest you also begin this. One of the greatest parents of all time was Mozart's parents said early training is how he gained his edge in life. started reading at the age of 2 was playing the piano at 3, his grandfather couldnt write his own name.

Answer 5

Follow La Leche League guidelines... all these people who are saying that your daughter should be weaned already are ignorant. The world average for nursing is 2-3 years.
Use the "don't offer/don't refuse" approach. Replace feedings with other activities, like books, etc., or time with another relative. If she's going into daycare or to another care setting, she won't be able to nurse since you're not around, so no harm done.
If you're not working at night, you can still nurse at night. It's still good for her, and will enhance your relationship since you'll be missing out on seeing her during the day.

Answer 6

You said "she is showing no signs of wanting to ween herself." No baby makes the decision to ween... it's the mom.

Think of it this way... you have to stop sometime. You don't want her to still be breastfeeding when she's 5 or explain to your co-workers that you need to take a break to pump breast milk for your child.

Answer 7

It might sound harsh but go out of town for a couple days. Let her stay and something really fun and special with Grandma or Dad and when you come back no more nursing. It worked for me, my sister in law and my my best friend. All the kids did great.

Answer 8

No offence, you should of weened her along time ago. She should be using a cup. Don't give her a bottle. Give her a sippy cup. Wow, I know breast milk is good for babies, she is a toddler. Anyhow, just tell her you have no more milk.....all gone!

Answer 9

Try giving her chocolate milk. Tell her it is special big girl milk. She might be more interested in it than breastmilk. Otherwise, you could always just tell her no and offer her regular milk, juice, or water. You are the adult, after all. You do the weaning if she shows no signs of stopping.

Answer 10

Since you're going back to work your daughter has no choice. Give her a bottle and see if she takes to it, maybe place one in her bed so when she wakes up hungry there's something for her. If that doesn't work see a pediatrician for more info.