How To Stop This Breastfeeding?

My son is about to be 1 year old in 9days. I'm tired of this breastfeeding thing. I am an advocate for breastfeeding but now it's taking a toll on me physically and emotionally. Why? Because my son refuses to quit. He loves the breast. He doesn't sleep through the night and wakes searching for it.

I'm a single mother, but sometimes when my sister comes over if she picks him up when he awakens he will put his head on her shoulder and go back to sleep.

Now if I pick him up he wants the breast and makes a lot of fuss to have it. It's wearing me out. Literally. I've lost too much weight and often feel tired from the pressures of my job and not getting enough sleep at night.

He's also asthmatic so his breathing is another issue that causes him to fuss and not want to eat solids (when he's not sick he does eat very well, but then he will still want the breast). I'm at my wits end and don't have anymore weight or substance to give. How do I get him to stop?

He feeds in the late afternoon, nights and to a lesser extent mornings, this is only cause I have work during the day so I'm not available for harassment...

I love my son, but I also love me so I need to find a way to start looking healthy again.

Find answers and comments below.

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Baby Help Line Response:

Weaning A 1 Year Old From Breastfeeding

Dear mom!

I really think you've done enough in contributing to your son's health through breastfeeding. Of course it is time for you to wean as it is wearing you down so much. Don't feel guilty!

For a quick weaning, I'd suggest you talk seriously to your sister or anyone else that your son feels safe with. If there is any chance that another person can stay over night even for a few days and completely take care of your son at night, you are likely to have quick results. I've done that with both our kids and I know many other parents that have been successful with this too.

Of course you son doesn't need your breast any more, but he sure wants it! And knows where to find it!

One of our kids woke up to nurse every hour at the age of 10 months, searching for the breast. It drove me mad. When I let her dad pick her up at night instead and I kept out of the way, it took 3 nights to get rid of the night time feeding. I couldn't believe it!

So if you can, get help!

If that is out of the question, you might have to be a bit tougher with your boy and simply not let him have the breast, at least at night.

Make up your mind what is the most important - maybe you can accept him feeding in the morning and evening but not at night? Or maybe you've had it completely? Some moms have been successful with offering water in a bottle at night instead, and to their great surprise the baby has accepted it.

It might be a struggle, though and for your own sake you should probably try to plan the weaning to a weekend and maybe ask someone else to take care of your son for an hour or so during the day, so that you can rest if the night was tough.

I really wish you good luck! Your son is certainly old enough to be able to put up a fight, but he won't be harmed be having to quit. Give him lots of love, cuddles and contact to compensate the loss (if he thinks there is one).

Paula

PS You can find more tips on how to wean a baby from the breast here.

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