https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:24:27 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-a-2-year-old#post-2919193 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:58:32 +0000 LemonJack 2919193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Buy the book “Nursies When the Sun Shines”! I read that to both of my girls before I night weaned and talked to them a lot about what would happen. When I finally did it, there were a few rough nights, but it didn’t take long for them to adjust and they slept through the night pretty well after that. I would just repeat the line in the book and tell them the milkies were sleeping and would be awake again in the morning. I did daytime weaning next, and just kept stretching out feedings by distracting them. Eventually we only had the bedtime session, so my DH took over the entire bedtime routine until they got used to it. </p> <p>Good luck! I know how stressful it is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-a-2-year-old#post-2919185 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 22:37:01 +0000 ALV91711 2919185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@graceandjoy: oh wow! That is amazing. </p> <p>Tonight he had milk and a snack then I said let’s go brush your teeth, rock and look at a book. After teeth he ran to my bed asking for mama milk!! </p> <p>I want to stop but I’m too tired to deal with the screaming I know will happen. I just need to pick a day and stick to it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-a-2-year-old#post-2919160 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 09:50:46 +0000 graceandjoy 2919160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I weaned by middle at 2.5; I was newly pregnant with #3 and it suddenly hurt to nurse. I literally just asked her if it's okay we stop because it really hurts me and to by utter surprise, she said okay and that was it! It was unbelievably. I had gotten it down to just night time nursing at that point but wasn't sure if she'd ever wean! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-a-2-year-old#post-2919051 Wed, 16 Sep 2020 20:45:46 +0000 ALV91711 2919051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: might have to invest in some turtle necks! Lol! After the last couple nights I know I’m done, he’s not nursing so good, just have to pick a day to stop. </p> <p>Even DS1, whose 7, recently told him my milk was going to go away, lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-a-2-year-old#post-2919042 Wed, 16 Sep 2020 00:56:09 +0000 agold 2919042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love reading these posts and feel like I found my group of girls, here! i stopped nursing at 18 months cold turkey because my girl was a terrible sleeper. I can't deal with her crying for a million reasons, so I never did make dad do her bedtime with her. I had to wear really high neck tight shirts that she couldn't get her hand down into for a long time. She still wants to grab my boobs for comfort and she's 2.5 years old. Cold turkey is the only way I could do it with both of my girls. Good luck. It's such a hard/sad/liberating transition. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-a-2-year-old#post-2918962 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 20:13:42 +0000 ALV91711 2918962@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks ladies! It’s nice to know others have been through it. </p> <p>@ElbieKay: That is awesome that you nursed 2 for 18 months!</p> <p>@Mama Bird: yes, bedtime is getting longer. Used to be 20 min and he was asleep. Now I’ve been cutting him off at 20 min and putting him in his crib. He usually screams for a few minutes. </p> <p>@petitenoisette: I hope it goes ok for you. I had planned to wean by the beginning of the summer but being home all day together ruined that. I did cut out all day time nursing with not too much problem. I think starting with the middle of the night is a good idea. Bedtime will be the hardest I think. </p> <p>@catgirl: I tried to tell DH that he was taking over bedtime starting next week but I don’t think he took me seriously. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-a-2-year-old#post-2918949 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 17:56:25 +0000 catgirl 2918949@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only thing that worked for my LO was stopping cold turkey. When she turned two I stopped nursing in the morning, just told her it wasn't an option. She was mad, but generally could be distracted by breakfast. She nursed at bedtime for another four months, and again we just stopped cold turkey. Bedtime was rough for two weeks or so, I think it would have been better if DH could have done bedtime but he wasn't home from work in time. I think for some kids you just have to tell them it's not a choice anymore and then stick to it 100%. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-a-2-year-old#post-2918948 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 17:49:36 +0000 petitenoisette 2918948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Weaning an older baby during a pandemic is no joke! I planned to wean my now 2.5 year old by the beginning of the summer and it’s just been impossible since we’re all home together all the time. </p> <p>I did at some point in the last 6 months stop nursing at night just but refusing to do it and dealing with some tough nights but eventually DD would give in to just rocking, etc. to go back to sleep and now sleeps through most nights. </p> <p>I would suggest cutting out one session at a time, starting with the MOTN one. Then the am one where you can just get up and transition to breakfast time and hopefully distract him. And then last to go would be at bed. But really whichever session he seems least attached to I’d cut out first. </p> <p>I still have to stop the bedtime and am nursing! I go back to school next week so hope having to wake up early cuts at the am session and then I think she’ll give up the night time one ok since we have the rest of the night time routine in place. </p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-a-2-year-old#post-2918936 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 13:06:16 +0000 Mama Bird 2918936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Right here with an almost two year old who won't wean. I'm not happy about this at all. She is taking more and more time to fall asleep, and I really don't have that time right now. I tried asking DH to take over a couple of times, but she just screamed hysterically for 40+ minutes so it was a total fail. I'm thinking I should just put some mustard on myself or something... it seems kind of mean, but she has to start sleeping better. I need to drive for work more and more, and I don't want to fall asleep behind the wheel. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-a-2-year-old#post-2918928 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 10:59:53 +0000 ElbieKay 2918928@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I cut off my twins at 18mos. I could not take it anymore for a variety of reasons. I suggest having dad take over as much as possible for a couple of weeks to cut the association. When they asked, I would just tell them that we are all done nursing but they can have a sippy cup of milk and/or a hug or a snuggle instead. It sucks but it doesn't take that long to move past it. My girls were reasonably accepting. Even though they were disappointed they did not really freak out about it to me. However, six months later when they see me without a shirt on they still ask to nurse! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-a-2-year-old#post-2918922 Thu, 10 Sep 2020 22:55:31 +0000 ALV91711 2918922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need help with how to ween my newly 2 DS. </p> <p>DS1 weaned himself at 21 months and I was hoping this guy would do the same! But he’s a boob monster. Lol. </p> <p>He nurses before bed, over night and sometimes in the morning. He does drink milk and the last couple weeks I’ve been offering before bed and it’s hit or miss but he still nurses either way. </p> <p>He just started back at daycare last week and it’s been rough, so I want to give it a couple weeks before we ween but I want to be prepared. </p> <p>Any strategies would be great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/another-weaning-question-engorgement#post-2917058 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 15:09:47 +0000 agold 2917058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: I stopped nursing my girl at 18 months cold turkey in the middle of the night. I dealt with what you are describing and was so worried about mastisis. Get the cabbage. And you have to hand express just a little bit to get the knots out. Not to fully drain. Yes, its painful, but you have to do it. Do it in a hot shower as many times a day as you can. I'm so sorry. I was fine. It lasted quite a few days and got lesser and lesser every day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/another-weaning-question-engorgement#post-2917053 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 11:28:07 +0000 JennyLayneAZ 2917053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also massaged in the shower (through the pain) and then just wore breast pads in my bra until I stopped leaking (which took a few weeks), but the engorgement only lasted a couple days. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/another-weaning-question-engorgement#post-2917052 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 11:05:11 +0000 Umbreon 2917052@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so afraid to hand express because they are so sore!! I dont have much pain if I just dont touch them or move too much.</p> <p>Dh is going to go out and get me some cabbage today.</p> <p>They are leaking a lot. I'm less than a week away from AF so it's possible hormones are making it bad.</p> <p>Thanks for the replies everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/another-weaning-question-engorgement#post-2917049 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 09:10:11 +0000 kayla0416 2917049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I weaned my second I had been exclusively pumping, but when it came to dropping that last pump, I went every other day for a week or so, then stopped. 10 days later I started to feel engorged, so I pumped once more. That worked and I never pumped again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/another-weaning-question-engorgement#post-2917048 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 08:55:43 +0000 Petitduck 2917048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: I echo what others said about keeping an eye on it. When I weaned my first kid I was at two feeds a day and I went cold turkey and my boobs were hard for a month. My plan of action was just don’t touch them at all. It worked out. When I weaned my second I didn’t have any issues. It lasted a few days only.</p> <p>Definitely try cabbage. I hear it’s wonderful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/another-weaning-question-engorgement#post-2917047 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 08:44:21 +0000 josina 2917047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would try hand-expressing some... after I weaned with both LO's I hand-expressed about a week later, and then I was good to go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/another-weaning-question-engorgement#post-2917046 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 08:43:56 +0000 bhbee 2917046@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That’s interesting it came back! I think it’s probably normal though, maybe your cycle hormones. Keep an eye on hard lumps and redness for sure, doesn’t take long sometimes for mastitis to come on (though usually it adds feeling like you got hit by a truck to the redness/soreness). </p> <p>Have you tried Sudafed yet? (The real stuff behind the counter) - could be worth a shot in addition to cabbage. I hope it’s over soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/another-weaning-question-engorgement#post-2917045 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 08:00:15 +0000 winter_wonder 2917045@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would try expressing them just a little bit in a hot shower. I think the cabbage leaves will help too! My story is a bit different, only breastfed DD for about 6 weeks and then stopped quite suddenly. I think I had 2 or 3 days of being uncomfortable, but the cabbage leaves really helped! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/another-weaning-question-engorgement#post-2917041 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 22:28:12 +0000 Umbreon 2917041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So many questions lately but you all are so helpful! :heart: </p> <p>I last breastfed LO almost 2 weeks ago. I was down to one session before bed and I stopped after I was no longer engorged at that time. He was also super fussy that last feed and trying to bite more, so I figured he wasnt getting much.</p> <p>I was surprised I did not get engorged after I stopped. My breasts felt a bit fuller but not painful or uncomfortable.</p> <p>Now is another story. They were so painful all day and worse now. They are hard in places and I'm not sure if there are clogged ducts or not... there is no redness, and I got redness with my clogged ducts when I breastfed so maybe it's just engorgement?</p> <p>I noticed some leakage today, clear not milky. </p> <p>I may get some cabbage leaves tomorrow if theres no improvement overnight. But I'm guessing this will just get better with time? Is it normal almost 2 weeks later?</p> <p>Should I massage them? It will hurt like a b**** if I do that so I dont want to unless I have to... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-question-2#post-2916802 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 10:28:16 +0000 mdf106 2916802@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would probably wait until you are not engorged with the once a day feeding. I had good luck with sudafed. I had the most engorgement when I weaned during the day, and was not that engorged when I finally weaned. I would avoid pumping if possible, that will tell your body to keep making milk. I am not prone to clogged ducts, though.</p> <p>FWIW I felt very sad about weaning while weaning, but felt better about it after I had weaned. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-question-2#post-2916789 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 22:00:36 +0000 Umbreon 2916789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: thank you :heart: I never thought I'd find it hard but I know I'm going to be an emotional wreck when it's the last time.</p> <p>But we want another baby and I need to focus on that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-question-2#post-2916788 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 21:39:11 +0000 bhbee 2916788@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: I think anytime is fine, and you will probably have some milk for a while even after it mostly calms down. It’s just a personal decision what works for you. If it were me I might pick a day in a few days to be the last day, and try to enjoy the last few times. But don’t make it hard and fast and if you decide you’re not ready, it’s ok. I thought I was going to be done nursing my third one night (she was 16m and had started to be too distracted to really do it) but I was still super sad about it even though we were both kind of ready. Two nights later or so she asked again and I let her nurse one more time and it was the last time, but somehow that one extra time really made me feel better. Just go with what feels right to you because it is a special and emotional thing :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-question-2#post-2916782 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 19:36:26 +0000 Umbreon 2916782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: thank you so much. He doesn't really ask, which has made it a lot easier on me. It seems like it's been way harder on me than him, which is great.</p> <p>A lot of the time I feed him and then DH puts him to bed, unless he falls asleep nursing which is rare these days. So I think that will help because we can just skip the nursing and DH can put him down when the time comes.</p> <p>I had quite a few clogged ducts in the beginning so I'll watch out for that.</p> <p>That is great advice, thank you. When should I drop this last feed? More so for me than him? I went from once before bed and 2-3 times during the night to just before bed, and have been for 4 days now. Should I wait another week before dropping the last one? Or any time?</p> <p>I need to have two periods after weaning completely before they let me do an IUI so I'm hoping to stop before my next period which I figure will be in 2.5 weeks or so. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-question-2#post-2916776 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:04:30 +0000 bhbee 2916776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I weaned my son at 14 months old and never offered him milk at bedtime, I think that’s up to you at that age. They don’t need anything then if they had a good dinner. </p> <p>For yourself - I would try to only hand express. You can do pretty well taking the pressure off without doing too much. Emptying tells your body to keep making milk. You can also try things like sudafed (works for some but not everyone, but generally dries your body up) and cabbage leaves in your bra. Watch out for any lumps and try to massage them out (in a shower helps) to avoid mastitis. </p> <p>Will he ask if you don’t offer? Sometimes that’s a way to ease into it. Even if he doesn’t feed at all the first night he might ask in a day or so, and you can decide as you go. </p> <p>And just big hugs. My son weaned all the sudden during sleep training and I wasn’t ready and it broke my heart for a bit. But he’s 5 now and still the world’s biggest cuddle bug and I promise it will get better :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weaning-question-2#post-2916765 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 16:25:53 +0000 Umbreon 2916765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Everyone is so helpful, thought I'd ask this too!</p> <p>I'm working in weaning LO so we can resume fertility treatments. He is doing so well, although its breaking my heart a bit.</p> <p>We are down to one feed now, right before bed. Have been for the last 4 night. I'm still pretty engorged by feeding time, although it's getting better. </p> <p>When will I know it's time to cut out this last feed? When I'm no longer as engorged at that time?<br /> Once I stop the last feed do I pump every couple days? Basically how do I tell my breasts, "I'm done"?</p> <p>And and what about LO? Does he need a snack or cup of milk before bed or anything? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-weaning-3#post-2905262 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:08:11 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2905262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ahhh it is so hard. I have weaned both of mine because of subsequent pregnancies. </p> <p>My first I had to force wean at 20 months at the advice of my doctors, it was bittersweet. He was a champion nurser and I enjoyed it and weaning him was horrible. </p> <p>I am currently 20 weeks pregnant with my third and still occasionally nursing LO2 who is 18 months.. I doubt there is much there and I am aware of the risks to my pregnancy. She literally asks every other day at this point. </p> <p>Go with your gut, you have done amazing with all 3 and stopping now does not change that. It is always such an emotional roller coaster. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-weaning-3#post-2905204 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 10:25:00 +0000 ElbieKay 2905204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@crazydoglady: I am struggling with the same issue with my 16mo twins. I am so done, and they are sooooo not done! Ugh. Calgon, take me away! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-weaning-3#post-2905202 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 10:02:31 +0000 crazydoglady 2905202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With DS, we just stopped one day at 14 months! He didn't ask, I didn't refuse...easy peasy!</p> <p>Now DD is 15 months and I am getting ready to wean her...the time commitment, her undressing me, basically motorboating me in public, occasional bad latch but she's not ready. So I don't know. I know that it's got to be a mutual thing but I feel guilty taking away this thing that she loves. Plus, shes my last baby. I am going on a two night trip away with my sister (who is also trying to wean her toddler,) so I guess we'll just have to see. </p> <p>Can you tell I am conflicted? 😂😅 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-weaning-3#post-2905191 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 08:21:09 +0000 misolee 2905191@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My first two went til about 16 months til they lost interest. My third and last baby also went until 16 months and I was having the same issue. She would only latch for less then three minutes, super distracted, etc. I was getting super emotional thinking this is the last time cuddling and kept saying, today's the last day (sniff). She would be fine for a day or two and then would come ask again for the right before bed feeding. So ours wasn't like a clear cut cold turkey situation. Weaning took couple of weeks :grin: </p>