There was an article in Mothering magazine in which a mother described 
weaning her clingy son by going completely opposite to all the advice.  
She started offering the breast ALL THE TIME.  The first 2 days, he took
 her up on it every time, maybe 30 times.  By the 3rd day, he started 
refusing.  Once he knew he could have the breast whenever he wanted, he 
didn't want so much.  Perhaps this is something this family might like 
to try.  


Julie Tardos

 
~~~
Let's eat Grandma!
Let's eat, Grandma!
Commas save lives.


>________________________________
>
>Hi
 everyoneJust wondering if anyone has any suggestions to offer for a 
mother who is desperately trying to wean her 19 month old son. She is 8 
weeks pregnant and has very sensitive nipples. She also thinks she needs
 a break from breastfeeding before the baby arrives in September due to 
feeling extremely tired and overwhelmed. Her toddler is very capably 
self-attaching (whenever she sits down) about 3-4 times during the day 
and last night 3 times through the night. She starts the toddler off in 
his own bed after the night time feed (with which he refuses to settle 
without), but then usually ends up sleeping with him in his room on a 
mattress on the floor. Her husband (baby's father) is willing and 
available to help in any way that he can, but toddler screams the house 
down if no breastfeed happens, so mum comes in & the breastfeeding 
continues for the peace of all. She has already trialled several of the 
usual methods for mother-led weaning but is not
finding anything 
that works or that works for her. She is certain it is a comfort issue, 
has tried a dummy and security blankets and teddy bears, but he wants 
nothing but a breastfeed. He is a picky eater when at home with his 
mother, but will eat a variety of solids and other drinks very well at 
daycare but then comes home & want to breastfeed. She is open to any
 ideas whatsoever and has given me permission to post here. A 
chiropractor has mentioned there may be a security or attachment issue 
due to a traumatic and interventional birth  (induction, epidural & 
forceps). Mum has always used attachment parenting, demand feeding, baby
 wearing and co-sleeping) and prefers gentle approaches. Mum is open to 
complementary therapies but is unsure if she fully believes in this 
theory. However, she has booked to see a naturopath tomorrow.  I 
suggested maybe she discuss with the naturopath re herbs that may reduce
 supply (and hence may lessen toddler's interest
in the breast, 
although he is likely getting very little anyway), something to apply 
topically to nipples or something that may alter the taste of the milk. I
 explained that it would be up to the naturopath if there was anything 
she would recommend as possibly useful and providing it was safe during 
pregnancy, for the toddler ingesting it and to the skin of the nipples. 
Another thought I had was nipple shields.  Could they help in this 
situation? Could they act as a deterrent if the toddler does not like 
them? They may also help with the nipple sensitivity.  I mentioned to 
the mother about tandem feeding (and avoid this stressful issue now) and
 she is aware that this is possible but doesn't think she would like it 
as she will be busy enough with the newborn. I talked to her about 
keeping an open mind, that any decision is not all or nothing and goals 
and decisions can be changed. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

             ***********************************************

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