My breastfeeding journey lasted a little over two years. I always wanted my daughter to self wean but as time went on, it seemed like that would never happen. Making the decision to wean my daughter, was a tough one.

On one hand I knew it was time and on the other I was really nervous that our bond would change. And honestly, as much as I told myself I was ready, emotionally I wasn’t 100% there just yet. But I knew I probably never would be and that if we were going to start trying for baby #2, I needed to do this.

As I have mentioned in other posts, I have coslept and safely bedshared with my daughter from an early age. She has always breastfed to sleep at night, it was routine. I am just not the sleep training kind of mom, so the thought of my daughter crying during this weaning phase really broke my heart.

Before starting, I searched my Facebook mom pages and read a ton of stuff online on how to wean a two-year-old. Below is the process I followed that worked for me.

Step 1: Make the Decision & Mentally Prepare Yourself

Set a date for when you are going to start this process. I recommend starting during a long weekend as you may not have the best sleep during this process.

Step 2: Prepare Your Little One

About a week out, when it’s time to nurse let your little one know that they can nurse tonight but after x number of days they won’t be nursing anymore. I always gave my daughter pep talks, letting her know what a big girl she is and how big girls don’t need to nurse to sleep.

Additionally, I bought the book called “Nursies When the Sun Shines.” I started reading this book to my daughter every night before she went to sleep. I decided that when weaning, I was going to wean from both night and morning feedings so I changed the words in the book to “Playtime When the Sun Shines.”

Step 3: Offer Something Else

The night had arrived, I read my daughter the book and then told her no more nursies but here is some milk in your sippy cup. She wanted nothing to do with it but opted for a snack and water instead.

Step 4: Wear a Shirt That Has Little Access

Up until this first night, I had always just slept in pajama bottoms and a nursing bra. This night I wore a regular T-shirt, out of sight out of mind…well kinda. My daughter still would try to stick her hand down my shirt and when she couldn’t get to the goods, she would get frustrated and start crying.

Step 5: Be Consistent

Once you start the weaning process, give it a 3-4 days. If by the third or fourth day it isn’t getting easier then that is okay, maybe now isn’t the right time. Try again in a few months. This is always about what is right for you and your family. Do not let anyone pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do or aren’t ready for.

How This Process Worked Out For Us

The first night my daughter cried for about 25-30 minutes. I laid next to her, rubbed her back, cuddled her, and whispered to her. I would tell her that I love her and I know she is sad, that it is okay to be sad, and that I am right here with her. She then finally fell asleep. A few hours later she woke up and cried for another 15-20 minutes before falling asleep for the rest of the night.

Night 2 the same thing happened, except this time she cried for 15-20 mins. By night 3 or 4, we were down to about 10 minutes. I continued this throughout the week and by night 6, she was no longer asking to nurse.