Yep, we did it! We have finally succeeded in weaning Colbin. My plan was to stop breastfeeding him when he turned 2 years old but he quickly disregarded the plan. We tried several times with too many tears for me to stay strong. I knew he was not ready. When he turned 3 in January we thought we would try again and try to be consistent. It worked! We just spoke to him and told him that he was a big boy now and that he didn’t need to nurse anymore. I told him extensive stories at night to take his mind off of nursing and now he has been sleeping through the night for 20 days. Yipee! He still claims his nur (my right boob) and requires his younger brother to keep on his own side. I told my husband that I would like a party to celebrate the reclaiming of my boobs once my younger son (now 18 months) is also weaned. My husband replied with “What do you want… a boob cake?” Unless they can make a boob cake sag it might just depress me by comparison.
If you have nursed or are nursing your babies you will know what I mean. Don’t get me wrong though, I have loved the experience of breastfeeding my boys and would not have done anything differently. So for all of you moms out there who have chosen to breastfeed your babies and are now wondering if they will ever stop, they will when they are truly ready. Stay motivated and do what seems right for you and your baby. Don’t succumb to the pressures of other people who are shocked and mildly judgmental when they hear that you are nursing a baby with teeth.
If would love to chat with other nursing moms so feel free to write,
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:01 am
Awww, congrats on making it 3 years. I’ve heard of some parents throwing their kids a weaning party to celebrate. I’m up for any excuse to have cake.
March 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
My 2.5 year old is still nursing and I have been starting to feel like she will never wean. Your post has reminded me not to try to rush her, that it will happpen when she’s ready. We’re down to 3 times a day now, when she wakes up in the morning, naptime and bedtime. She still asks some afternoons but is ok when I tell her no, and still needs to nurse some nights if she wakes up from a nightmare.
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
“do what’s right for you and your baby” - that’s the best advice on the topic anyone can give.
June 8th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Thank you for your post on weaning your 3 yr old. I did not have other breastfeeding mothers to consult when weaning my then 2.5 year old. I felt as if I had to keep her nursing past 18months a secret from other judgemental moms. My daughter who is now 3 knows that she can no longer nurse, but still sleeps as she always has, head on my tummy and at least one hand on or near my nursey “breast”. That may be the harder habit to break.