I need help weaning ds2 off the breast.

[BobbyMcGee]

He's 2.2 years now. Recently down from constant demands for " boobie" to 3 feeds a day. (Thanks to MN)

One first thing in the morning, one before nap, one before bed.

I want to try get rid of bedtime one first. A few reasons,

1. this is his shortest feed, he doesn't fall asleep on the breast
   
2. he DOES fall asleep on the breast before nap time and I want to keep that going as long as possible at the moment
   
3. He regularly wakes early (5am) and bringing him into bed a feeding him is a good way to keep him calm and quiet while I doze longer. But also, when it's dp's "turn" to get up with him, he can easily be distracted from the boob and not be too fussed about it.
   
   And for more selfish reasons, I want someone else to put him to bed. Mainly dp. I have a girls night out coming up on the 15th (first one for as long as I can remember) and I am off for a long weekend away by myself in March.
   
   And tbh, he's 2.2yrs old, I really think I've done enough now.
   
   Dp is currently trying to put him to bed now, I haven't given him any breast first, dp's just taken him with a cup of water. He's just screamed for 15mins (dp holding/cuddling/rocking him) It is all quiet now but is there any other easier/gentler way I can do this for him? Or is it just a case of letting dp carry on and waiting it out?

[BobbyMcGee]

Ok wow, sorry that was a bit long. I always just thought I'd let him self wean but I really want to stop now.

Anyway dp jut got him to sleep. It took 20mins (15 crying) that's not too bad is it?

[BobbyMcGee]

Oh and I probably should mention that it's 7.30pm here, just to explain why he's going to bed now.

[TanteRose]

no too bad at all

you will just have to let DP and DS get on with it at bedtime

it won't take more than a few nights for DS to get used to no boob at bedtime

I weaned my DS on his 3rd birthday and after howling that first night, he didn't mention it again

good luck and well done for carrying on this long

[llamallama]

Does he drink cows milk? Could you DP try this instead of water?

I weaned my DD at 14 months and I think changing her bedtime routine slightly helped to remove the association withe feeding to sleep. We went from bath to bed, to bath, downstairs for night garden with cup of cows milk and then up to bed.

[AppleOgies]

I weaned my DS at this exact age. I told him it was all gone and that mummy was empty. He protested and tried his luck for at least a week but I was firm. I kept saying it was all gone and there was none left. He now has cows milk before bed and very rarely asks for 'mummy milk'.

[BobbyMcGee]

Thanks for your replies.

Sounds like we should just keep to what we did tonight then.

He does drink cows milk but he has that after shower/pj's while cuddles up on the sofa with ds1 listening to stories, then it's through the kitchen, grab water, bathroom, teeth, bed.

On Friday dp won't be here so not sure what I'll do then? Probably follow whatever dp has been doing to get him to sleep to keep it consistent.

Quite and emotional about stopping tbh, but so relieved at the same time.

[AppleOgies]

It's perfectly normal to feel like this. At 2 years 2 months I reached my limit and for me I have to say it was a joy getting my body back. But I do miss the closeness of it all.

Good luck!