A few weeks ago, in my sleep deprived stupor, I shared my desire to begin the night weaning process with my youngest son. He had just turned 18 months old, nursed frequently (think every hour) during the night and had to sleep with Mommy.
I am a huge advocate for extended breastfeeding and co-sleeping… just as long as every party involved is happy. To be honest… this Mama was not happy anymore. I had gone without a solid night’s rest for over 6 years. I missed my sleep!
I was not sure which to begin weaning him from first… ME (co-sleeping) or the breast.
I began with weaning him out of my bed and back into his own bed. What do you know!? It worked!
I just had to get my lazy, tired, body out of my warm, cozy bed and into his cold room. Then sit on a hard, cold, chair to nurse him back to sleep!
Fun and encouraging, right?
But after he nursed back to sleep I was able to tip toe back across the house to my own bed… warm it up and try to fall asleep quickly.
It took a while, but he began sleeping in longer stretches… in his own bed!!
Success!
Our night time weaning is improving… yet I am not actively pursuing the process. I am not doing any sleep training techniques or having him cry. I am simply doing what works for me and my personality (and his).
The past few weeks, Tristen has been waking ONLY ONCE each night!!
The wake up time varies each night. He has even had a few nights where he slept from 8-5:45!! That was a complete shock!! And of course, when he woke at 5 he was ready to start the day. That was not a great way to start the day.
Remember, Mama likes to sleep!
Tristen is almost 19 months and still nurses on demand during the day. He loves to snuggle in his “chair” while having “nuh-nums”.
Sleep is good. Heck, sleep is GREAT! But I also know from experience, that this sleep deprived state is only a short season in my life. I am going to treasure and enjoy these moments while I can.
**If you are wanting a good laugh, check out this HILARIOUS blog post by Amber Dusick, which pretty much summing up how my night’s rest has been the past few years!! **
Michelle says
I am a huge extended breast feeding supporter as well. I nursed my oldest until he was almost 2 and only quit because I wanted to get pregnant again, and I was not having any luck while I was nursing. My youngest is currently 15 months and I still nurse him, not as much as I use to since he kind of seems to be weaning himself off of it during the day, but nights are still important to him. But you are right; it does make for little sleep when that is all they want at night! Best of luck to you in this process!
Summer Jo Brooks says
Love your blog!!!
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