You did it! It’s finally time for your breastfeeding journey to end! But if you aren’t ready for this stage then don’t worry do what is best for you and your baby.
I personally felt guilty for this moment, but I was mentally and physically ready for my co-sleeping toddler to stop breastfeeding. Therefore, after my son’s second birthday party (yes you read that right …. two!) I went all in by using these 8 tips to stop breastfeeding your co-sleeping toddler.
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1. Make sure YOU are ready
First of all, make sure you are mentally ready! I am telling you from experience, I had tried to stop nursing a year before but I wasn’t successful. It was especially difficult since we coslept with him in our bed since he was born.
I did feel pressured from relatives to stop because he had turned one, but I wasn’t ready for our special moment to end. Each time I tried he would cry out for me to give him more and of course, mami would cave in and give him more. It was honestly difficult for me to stop because I worked so hard to breastfeed in the first place.
However, fast forward a year later my mindset shifted and I was ready to pull the plug. I was exhausted and frustrated with the lack of sleep from nursing him to sleep and me waking up again around 3 am to nurse him. I finally had enough and knew I was done.
2. Gradually drop a breastfeeding session
Gradually stop a feeding session to have a smooth transition. If you stop breastfeeding cold turkey it will be difficult for you and your little one.
The first feeding I dropped was the lunch feeding. I knew it would be easiest because I could distract him by taking him outside to play or watch a movie.
The second feeding was the morning one. I would wait to wake him up until I felt him wiggle his way to me and grab my shirt. We then moved to the kitchen in which I let him help me prepare our breakfast.
The last and final feeding was the night time feeding. To be honest I dreaded this last one because I knew it was going to be the most difficult one to stop. Breastfeeding at night was the way he would fall asleep so I had to change our routine so he wouldn’t have a weaning tantrum.
3. Distraction, distraction, distraction
Distraction was key during the day to make him stop nursing in the morning and at lunch. For example, I would involve him in cooking our meals, play with his toys, watch a movie, etc. This helps the transition go smoother.
4. Wear clothing that does not show cleavage
I swear if he would just get a glimpse of my boobs he would automatically go towards them. For that reason, I knew I had to cover them up. A sports bra and high neckline shirts, preferably the non-stretchy kind, were my pajamas. This attire helped to keep him away from my assets.
5. Make sure your child is not hungry
Eating something heavy and nourishing made him stay full at night which kept my son from waking up or asking to nurse.
6. Replace the boob with a sippy cup of water
The sippy cup at night replaced nursing him to sleep. At first, he did not accept it, but since he had no other choice he eventually gave in and drank it. Therefore be consistent and offer the sippy cup.
This Chicco sippy cup was easy for my toddler to use while laying down without spilling anything out (as long as you place the rubber stopper correctly in place.) Click HERE to purchase.
7. Change your nighttime routine
Our original nighttime routine involved taking a bath, go straight to the room and breastfeed him to sleep. But instead of going to the room I read him a book or moved him to the living room to play for a little bit.
The first few days were difficult because he would pull me to go to the room to nurse, but this is how I stopped breastfeeding him at night.
8. Involve your partner
Adding my husband into the mix was key to our success. As soon as my son started to get fussy about not being able to nurse, my husband would also reaffirm my decision and tell him no. We followed by either singing or tickling him to distract him. This last step really sealed the deal for us.
Women are amazing. We are able to create life and feed our babies with our bodies and no matter how long you breastfeed, you did an amazing job of nursing your baby! It isn’t easy to stop breastfeeding a co-sleeping toddler but it is possible by being consistent.
I hope these tips help your transition go smoother. It is hard but as long as you are determined and ready for this you can do it.
If you tried something else let me know in the comment section down below or find me on Instagram @lorenasvida