How do I wean my 14 month old from the breast?

My 14 month old HAS to nurse once a day - when he wakes up at 4:00 am. He does this for comfort and security - not because he really needs my milk - as his diet of solid foods is pretty good. But I want to wean him off my milk because i want to get on the Pill - and I don't want him getting all those hormones, and plus I eat way too muc ice cream and I think he may be getting lactose intolerant.

How do I go about denying him my breast? He screams bloody murder every morning when I don't give it to him! I always cave in - but he would scream for hours if allowed to...

How long will this weaning process take? I feel so guilty - but I think for 14 months is long enough for me. Please help!

let him self wean!!

why torture like that......and he cannot be lactose intolerant to dairy in your diet....he may have a protein allery which is different

he has only hit the bare MINIMUM of breastfeeding age

hang in there mama

Is he on whole milk yet? Maybe you could offer a bottle or sippy of whole milk instead when he wakes up for his 4 am call?

My daughter self-weaned, and we took one feeding away at a time with my son. It would be easier if his nursing session was during the day so you could offer a meal or snack instead.

If you know he is well fed then I would just let him cry it out. He will catch on within a few days and during that time you can give him extra snuggle time and extra attention so that he still feels that closeness and bonding that he has had with you minus the breast.

offer a bottle of water and if he refuses that, put him back and let him scream it out. DON'T give in ... it'll take several nights but if you give in once you'll be starting all over again. Within a week or two you'll be sleeping til morning.

I hear you!! I nursed my daughter for 23 months because I could not say no to her. I finally did and it took about 3 days and she wasn't even asking. I think it was worse on me than it was on her.
You think he will scream for hours, but he wont. Don't pick him up, dont let him near your chest. Play with toys, or give him a sippy cup.
Good Luck!

try feeding him your other breast

I weaned my first child after I became pregnant with my second. I told her she could nurse for "one minute". I didn't really time it, but she understood that it would be short. Her last feeding was in the morning, too. Then I made sure to get up before her and instead of sitting/laying down to nurse, I distracted her from the nursing by offering her some juice. Then we would go downstairs and she'd forget about nursing.

With my second child, his last nursing was at bedtime. Well, one night I was out late, and he fell asleep before I got home. After that I cuddled with him at bedtime, told him he was a big boy and he was ok with that.

Talk to him and gently tell him that pretty soon it will be time for him to stop nursing. Tell him how much you like to cuddle with him and soon he can only cuddle with you in the morning. Then get yourself up before him, and take him to a different room from the one where you'd nurse him in the morning.

I weaned my son just a few weeks before his first birthday... I thought it would be hard but I just kept gradually cutting back and when he wanted his "NUNUH" (breastmilk) I would simple pump and mix half of 2% milk and half of my milk and the finally just kept adding less and less of my milk and more whole or 2% milk. since it seems you are down to just one feeing at night... (if that is what I am understanding) find him something that will soothe him during that time period. My son liked to play with the sleeve of my shirt when he nurse so we cause him a taggie Blanket or can be know as tag blankey or lovy dovy. ( a blanket that is not very big. with ribbons all around it for different textures ) look on Ebay for them or also I am into a trading website called www.Kizoodle.com you have to if you join you can use my referal code ( PA8WN2 ) to get you a few extra points, But they have a lot of these blankets on kizzodle... LoL sorry back on subject. I would just keep trying don't let him cry more then a half an hour before going to comfort him, But try not to let in just rub his back give him a few hugs and kissses and try to leave and let him cry a little while longer. i co slept with my son and know how hard it is to deal with the crying, But it will work eventually. just stay strong and it will work for the best eventually just don't push it too hard he will let go eventually all babies are different. Good Luck and Hope to see you on the Kizoodle.com website.