Gentle Weaning 3 yo

[maamaakrystal]

My son turned 3 yo in November and mom is about ready to wean. Near his B-day I reduced him to 3x/day, wake, nap and bed. He's done fairly well and sometimes falls asleep without nursing (which he rarely did before), however, when mom says no it can sometimes result in a whining child and crying (often not genuine) and I don't think this conflict is good for us. I'd like to hear how other mom's gently weaned there 3+ nurslings.

K

[AwakenedMama]

I'm wondering about this myself. Is there a good reference out there on weaning?

[naomifrederickmd]

I would use NVC, adknowledging his needs but telling him that that your needs are not being met.

crying (often not genuine)

His physical crying act may not be genuine in a sense but the emotion behind it is genuine. He will be sad because he is not ready. You may not be able to convince him to happily stop something he enjoys, but you may be able to reason with him to make it hurt less. Its great that you have nursed this long and I totally understand that you are ready to end your breastfeeding relationship! It may be unrealistic to expect him to wean without emotion, but that dosn't mean you cannot do it. Good Luck!

Kellymom has some weaning stuff with the general distraction, spot weaning, don't offer don't refuse techniques.
Weaning: How does it happen? la Leche League is pretty much child-led weaning based but they have a good book called How Weaning Happens I think. You have already limited to a few nursings a day, just start taking a way one more every week or so....He will be upset so offer alternative cuddings, special time.