Night Weaning

Night weaning is often the first weaning that mothers consider because they want to get more sleep! If you are weaning a toddler and are pregnant then you are likely to be tired and quite comfortable too. And if you have been tandem breastfeeding you may be feeling very tired feeding two children during the night and might need to stop breastfeeding to get enough sleep for yourself.

Losing sleep may be causing you problems during the day. Sleep deprivation is debilitating and can contribute to feelings of despair and inability to cope with the demands of parenting. Night time tandem breastfeeding or toddler breastfeeding may lead you to think that bedtime is a continuation of your work time as you are simply not getting enough time to relax, sleep and regain your energy for the next day.

During night weaning you are likely to lose more sleep temporarily as your toddler resists changing his toddler breastfeeding habits. Weaning a toddler is ideally a decision you need to make with your partner as you will need his help and support.

Choose your timing of weaning carefully. Deciding to night wean at weekends or holiday time will give you or your partner time to nap during the day.

It it common for mothers during pregnancy to go through night weaning so that once their new baby is born you avoid tandem breastfeeding during the night. Toddler breastfeeding during the night whilst pregnant may also become just too uncomfortable and therefore weaning your toddler becomes necessary.

Weaning your toddler may seem daunting and something that you would not ideally choose to do. Perhaps you wanted to have your toddler self-wean completely. However, you are allowed to say no, and you are allowed to put your needs to the forefront.

The advantage of weaning a toddler is that your toddler understands you and is becoming vocal - you can talk about it together so that he can understand what is happening. You can tell your toddler that you can now only feed him when it's light outside.

Whilst you are weaning your toddler from his night feeds you can offer your toddler substitutes such as cuddles, back rubs, water from a cup (not juices which are damaging to teeth), or walking around the room. You can also make your breasts less available by wearing a bra or a night shirt.

Often night weaning is upsetting and tiring for everyone. It's change that your toddler might not want. Either you can continue weaning and maintain your conviction, taking it step by step without going backwards. Or, if the weaning efforts cause bigger problems such as tantrums during the day you may need to delay weaning for a little while and try again another day.

Weaning which involves stopping the last going-to-sleep feed is often the last feed to go - and is often the hardest to stop. To stop this session will involve some new sleep training and a new sleep routine and this is likely to involve some crying.

However, this can be lessened and your toddler can learn a new routine by having your partner put him to bed. Instead of nursing your toddler can have cuddles and a story with your partner and make it a new kind of special time.

Weaning your toddler requires you to have conviction, resolve and a loving, caring patience. Involve your partner as much as possible and support each other in supporting your toddler in this new transition.