Weaning older child

Hi gals, last week for a couple of days i really distracted oscar from breastfeeding during the day. He would usually feed in the early morning until we get up (maybe from about 5, i think although never really looked at the clock and i dozed so don't really know). then he would breastfeed to have his daily nap and sometimes after he woke up and then again before bed and maybe rarely during the night. i thought i would try and reduce the day feeds. i distracted him or DH who was on holidays would take him to do something fun. The down side i have found is that he pretty much attached onto the breast at night and stayed there all night. just wondering what others thought about him maybe needing the sucking hence he would feed more at night. i have gone back to him feeding when he wants during the day, about the same as before and the night feeding has reduced again. does anyone know of any studies regarding how much kids need to suck and the amount of breastfeeds.
i don't think this is very clear maybe i'll try to clarify later
love beckles