Expert: ruth kraft - 7/23/2009

Question
I want to stop breastfeeding my 15 month old but I don't know how?  We were down to only feeding once in the middle of the night.  He had given up all other feeding including right before his bedtime.  I thought we were done nursing completely around 14 months.  He stopped altogether for around a week but then started back again and now he wants to nurse all the time!  He pulls on my shirt constantly.  I have tried distracting him and it does work for a while.  If we take a walk or swing on the porch before bedtime he will fall asleep, but it won't be long until he wakes up screaming until I nurse him.  I have loved the experience of breastfeeding but I now am having a great deal of pain from dry cracked nipples and I am ready to be done with breastfeeding.   This is the first time I have had this problem.  Why would it be occuring now? Breastfeeding is not an enjoyable experience now. :(  Any suggestions?

Answer
Well, I am not sure about the dry cracked nipples suddenly, you might look into finding out if you have a yeast problem .. that might cure that issue. Seeing a Lactation consultant or la leche leage leader should be able to help you to determine the reason for the sudden breast change.

As far as weaning, if you have someone else who can get him in the middle of the night, that would be great. If you don't, then just being consistant with him saying that its bed time not sleepy time. Becuase he was weaned a little bit there, tells me he certianly can do it, so you just need to be consistant. it is more about setting boundries with him and yourself and he doesnt like boundries... ( most people don't) however, they arent an option... so keep up the consistancy, no nursing at night, and the breasts have to sleep too etc.... he won't like it but he will learn how to cope when he realizes you won't give in and you still love him... he doesn't see it as a rejection if you do it lovingly :)

good luck
www.honoringwomen.com