Dear friends, I need some advice. Miss Cupcake is turning two NEXT WEEK and she is still nursing down to sleep. I know, I know... let them nurse until they're drowsy but put them to bed still awake! Yeah... that didn't happen. Anyway, she still uses nursing to get herself to sleep for a nap and at bedtime. We finally got her off all night nursing about a month ago and now this is the last step.
I have never had a child be this attached to nursing. She has already nursed twice as long as any of my other kids. When they were around 13 months old and could take milk in a cup, they pretty much said "So long, see ya later!" to the milkies. Child-led weaning is just what they did naturally. So, I kind of don't know how to do this and I would love some advice, but please.... PLEEEEEEEEEASE... don't try to tell me that I need to keep doing it for as long as she wants and that you know a child who nursed until they were 4 and they were exceptionally gifted and perfectly normal. Sorry. I just can't do that.
I have a love/hate relationship with breastfeeding and I have already nursed her TWICE as long as any of my other children. And it hasn't been delightful little moments of nursing bliss, she has been a very demanding nurser at times, especially when those teeth first started coming in at 4 months!!!
So, while I fully support another mom's decision to do extended breast feeding, it's not working for me and I do believe that breastfeeding is a give and take on both mom and baby's part. It's a relationship that has to work for both. So, if you have ever had to nudge a child to give up those last few nursings a day, or if you've ever had to help train a 2 year old how to fall asleep without nursing, or if you know of someone who has and you'd like to share their tips and tricks, with me, I would appreciate it. Thanks!
