I would consider my 2.5 year old to be self weaned. I stopped
breastfeeding her at 18 months when she basically told me enough. She
has always been one to try new things like wanting to drink from cups
at four months old, and she in so many ways told me she was ready to
stop then. She basically become easily distracted at Breastfeedings and
began to look for someone to comfort her besides me. She seemed to
think that I was a wet nurse like she should come to me if she wanted
to be feed, and we have always had a close relationship.If that
explains it well.

I can actually tell you the exact scenario: My sis was visiting, which
harldy ever happens. She was sleepy and cranky ready for a nap. I could
not get her to calm down so I offered the breast it made her even more
upset. She then walked to every one in the room looking for comfort my
mom, my sis, the dog, all gave her attention and comfort but she was
not satifisfied she then walked back to me and I offered her the breast
she was still upset. I took her out of the room and bit her down for a
nap by sleeping beside her but she was upset still. My poor baby, I
felt like I was holding her back she wanted to be independant. I
decided to attempt to wean her, if she wanted. And she did.

She was already walking and drink whole milk from a cup at one year. I
kept bfing her for the benefits to her immune system I wanted and want
the best for her. But the change in her attitude towards me and her
breastfeeding sessions in general (which where down to morning and
night time) told me she was ready to move on. She stopped "cold turkey"
I gave her whole milk in place of feedings she was a bit confused but
she was completly okay with it. I even offered her the breast but she
chose the whole milk instead.

ohhh, and had terrible engorgement as a result, went on for over a week
if I remember.


wrote:
Ds is just over 1yr old and is partially bf'd - one morning and one
evening feed.I don't know anyone personally who has let their child
wean themselves, in fact only my sister bf until her kids were 1. He
isn't really a comfort feeder and doesn't feed to sleep. His evening
feed is pretty short (2-5mins) and his morning not much longer. I am
not planning on getting pregnant, so my milk won't dry up for that
reason. I was just wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what to
expect with their own experiences. I'm quite happy to keep going so
it's really just curiosity.

Thanks

Jeni