I am a 7 months-pregnant-mother of a 16 months old baby. My baby is weaning well but somehow she is dependent on breastfeeding to make her go to sleep. I want to completely stop her from breastfeeding after a few episodes of fainting and vomiting. Tell me the best way to make her do so and what I have to put up with like probably endless crying,etc?”
Aidora
Hi Adora,
As your 16 month is dependent on your breast to sleep, there is really no “best” way. It depends on you, your spouse and your child. Certainly you can try talking to her to try and make her understand but at 16 months, there is only so much she can ‘ understand’.Some people try to put unpleasant taste or smell on the breast to deter the child but then again, i have known of children asking their mothers to wash or even bring a cloth and wipe the breasts! ” Cold turkey” or withdrawing the breast completely is usually effective but this will usually result in the child crying . Sometimes, the crying can be for a few nights, each night for a few hours. The thing to remember if you want to use this method is to be firm and consistent. If you decide to start , it is best you carry it through.
Another method is to breast feed your child but gradually reduce the feeding time and withdraw your breast from your child BEFORE she falls asleep. You may need to combine this with another method like gently patting her after you have unlatched her. This may take a much longer time and require more effort. But there will be less crying .Again, there is a need to be consistent and carry through the whole exercise.
Whichever method you and your spouse decide to use,it is necessary that both of you discuss it and provide each other with the support that is vital. It is also important that both you and your spouse understand that what you are intending to do is to help your child learn to sleep without depending on your breast and that you can give her your love in many other ways. Good Luck!
Jennifer
