I'm just trying to gage whats common at this age...., after really trying to cut him down his BFs (as was feeding constantly) and get him back on food (which he is) he is now feeding about 8 times a day. I really really try to limit him to when he wakes up, nap time and bed time - but he always manages to sneak in a few more - mostly for comfort, or because i know he hasn't drank anything else and i worry about him not drinking and also a middle of the night feed - which im keen to drop but don't have the energy to at the moment.
Ideally i'd like to get down to just 3 BFs a day, but refusing him causes a huge tantrum and its hard to deal with because then my baby screams the house down out of fear too. I am in two minds about trying to get him to cut down - my instinct tells me he still needs the boob for comfort, he's such a sensitive boy and i don't want to damage him by taking it away (i hate to think he'd be in therapy in many years saying my mum weaned me and i wasn't ready...) but then he's also very stubborn and i think its just habit.
I've been hanging out for when the baby starts solids thinking the toddler will want more food less bfs. I hope thats the case.
I won't be much help as my lad only has a feed to sleep at night, occasionally during the night if he wakes and sometimes during the day before his sleep or if he hurts himself. So really I'm just bumping the thread. However, they're all different and I think you're doing a great job responding to his need for comfort.
My DD is 2 years 4 months (on the 30th) and she usually has a feed in the morning (when I'm trying to avoid getting up ), sometimes has a feed to sleep during the day. Then sometimes at night time if she wakes up. We've spent a lot of time cutting down that far, and the last couple of days she's been asking a lot.
Just follow your instincts. Only you and your son know what's best for you both, and I'm sure you won't traumatise him by cutting down his feeds.
Hmmm i guess its just his personality and that need for comfort... though when i offer a hug instead he pushes me away, i think because he's annoyed i won't give him a BF. My instinct says keep going, be gentle - but logically i can't keep this up, its been 5 months now feeding both of them and apart from being exhausted it isn't helping with my pnd either, i really need a bit of personal space. Its hard i guess.
Isla only has the one a day & not even every day. If I don't feel up to having her on I say no.
She was sick over the last few days & while I was worried about passing on the bug she had to Iain I still let her feed & then washed my boob before going to Iain (she had a gastro bug, vomiting etc).
When she has had a BF but asks for more (she has one before bed if she is going to get it) I say no but get her to hold my hand. Which she is quite happy to do.
If you think he is doing it mostly for comfort then maybe try offering something else. Also distraction. I know its tiring but when your ready maybe when he askes time & time again during the day ( yes I do think that 8 feeds a day plus an overnight feed is excessive but not saying you shouldn't just that I wouldn't) maybe you could say not right now, lets go hang the washing, check the washing or check the mail. Just somehting to distract him for the moment & get him to help you with something. I would say he is feeling the need to make sure he is still your bubba. Try to encourag ehim to be Mummy's big boy & get him to feel special helping you with special big boy jobs.
How much are your 2+ year olds breastfeeding
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), sometimes has a feed to sleep during the day. Then sometimes at night time if she wakes up. We've spent a lot of time cutting down that far, and the last couple of days she's been asking a lot.
Just follow your instincts. Only you and your son know what's best for you both, and I'm sure you won't traumatise him by cutting down his feeds.
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