I have a 21/2 year old daughter that i still breast feed. she only nurses at night and wakes up 4 or 6 times during the night to nurse. i am ready to ween her but i dont know how. please give me some ideas. i have tired letting her cry but just couldnt take it. she drinks out of a cup and eats good. please help.
2006-08-16 22:13:57 · 5 answers · asked by jannygirl31 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I wouldn't expect her to stop cold turkey and I have never been able to let my kids cry it out.
Try to reduce the number of feedings at night before asking her to give them all up.
I would only let my boys nurse first thing in the morning and if they asked to at night I would stop them before they were asleep and cuddle them. You daughter is older so I doubt that it would work for her.
Make sure you have a bedtime ritual that includes lots of cuddling without nursing, singing, reading etc.
Try giving her a tippy cup (with a valve) of cold water for bed. My older son weaned himself after I realized that, like me, he was waking up really thirsty and I gave him a cup of water. He never even woke me up after that. Obviously water instead of juice or milk so her teeth stay nice and healthy.
Have dad respond with some love when she cries (at least half of the time but no more than two/thirds).
Try to avoid sitting down with her at night, and maybe try moving or removing the favorite nursing spot.
Maybe buy a new friend or blanky or cuppy or whatever works for her.
La Leche League has some good information on weaning and you can check in any baby care books you may have received for other ideas.
I hope at least one of these ideas may help you.
Good luck.
2006-08-17 02:28:54 · answer #1 · answered by Huggles-the-wise 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, you will have to bite the bullet and deal w/a few sleepless nights. The longer you "string it out" the harder it will be to wean later.
I know how difficult it is.....
When I weaned my son, I just held him faced away from my chest and we rocked and rocked for about 3 hours. He cried and cried the whole time. There were times I was about to give in, but my husband, who was supportive of the process, just looked at me and said, "you're almost there, babe, just a few more minutes"
And you know, it worked. It only took a couple nights...but, we were officially weaned by day 3!
And perhaps, your daughter just wants to be near you so she can go to sleep, since that is what she has had every night of her life. Cuddling works miracles.
2006-08-17 05:23:17 · answer #2 · answered by Halo Rayn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let her wean on her own. Don't stop just because you want to. You are doing a very good thing for her. When she wants to stop she will. Relax and enjoy the special time you have together!
2006-08-17 11:25:31 · answer #3 · answered by LITTLE 1 :o) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is hard. Good for you for doing it so long. Have your husband give her a cup of milk and put her down for bed. and when your ready to give up the morning one have him give her the cup of milk.
2006-08-17 13:44:47 · answer #4 · answered by fungirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put something that taste sour , or try to color your nipple with dark color so she will hate the taste or will be afraid of the color. try
2006-08-17 05:33:13 · answer #5 · answered by Sasoke 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋