Self weaning from breast at 13 months?

Question

Is that normal? She was almost exclusively breastfed until 12 months and has had this sudden interest in eating foods her 2 year old sister eats. She only nurses during the night (3 and 6 am) and sometimes a little during the day. I'm feeling guilty for weaning earlier than I anticipated but she just doesn't seem to want it.

Answer 1

Do NOT feel guilty if she is weaning herself my daughter weaned herself at 18 and half months and it was the sadest thing ever but I knew that I wanted her to wean herself and thats what she did. I wanted to nurse at least untill her second birthday but you cant make them do something they dont want to do I tried to offer Lizzi the brest a few times and she just turned away from me.

Answer 2

My son did that.  He was completely weaned by 14 months.  He just lost interest in it.   I was a little disappointed but relieved at the same time.  Each kid is different.  I know kids that weaned at a year and kids that weaned at 3 and 4 yrs.

Answer 3

Girl, you did great for breast feeding this long.  Your daughter is letting you know she's ready for some solid foods and regular milk.  Give it to her.  I know there's bond there, but you have to let go.

Answer 4

It is normal for toddlers' interest in breastfeeding to change periodically.  If you want to wean now, it looks like it may be a good time since she seems open to the idea now.  But as you describe it, she seems to be nursing around 3 times a day.  She is probably still nourished by your breastmilk even though it is no longer a primary source of nutrition.

It also may be that she is going through a phase and will eventually "pick up" again, or that she is not yet willing to let go of these last few times a day she is still nursing.  Many toddlers will cut down gradually to truly wean, going from nursing a few times a day, to once or twice daily, to a few times a week, then a few times a month before they truly lose interest and have completely weaned on their own.  My son weaned in that way and was finished of his own accord by about 18 months old.

Answer 5

Yeah that is a good thing, if a child can walk and has teeth it is just gross to think of them breastfeeding.  To old, shouldn't be on pacifiers, bottles, Mom, etc.  Cut the cord.

Answer 6

If she is weaning herself then don't feel guilty.  My daughter was weaned at 14 months and she basically weaned herself.  She ended up likeing regular foods and dairy a lot so drinking regular milk was pretty easy for her.

My son is almost 16 months old and is now starting to show a little bit of signs of weaning.  He doesn't really like milk unless it is vanilla milk but he also is not wanting to breastfeed all the time either.  So I am now only feeding him at nap time and bedtime or sometimes during the night if he wants it.  I am a little upset that he is weaning now but if it is what he wants then it is time.

Congratulations on Breastfeeding for so long. Keep it up as long as she wants to.

Obviously some people on here do not have an education on breastfeeding because just because a baby has teeth and can walk and is over 12 months of age does not make it gross to still breastfeed.  Those people obviously need to read up on some information before answering a questions with breastfeeding a toddler.

There are many benefits to breastfeeding a toddler and it is best to breastfeed up to 2 years old but some toddlers wean themselves earlier. It is not something to do cold turkey that would be traumatizing so letting a toddler wean themselves is the best way and your daughter will be much happier letting herself self wean.  Good for you for letting her do that.

Answer 7

My little one weaned herself from the breast after being exclusively breastfed at 11months.

Answer 8

My son weaned himself at 11 months. Some babies just don't need the breast anymore and some kids nurse until they are 2.

Answer 9

She obviously is ready if she is doin it herself. Every child is different. Let her wean herself as she is ready. It will be a more pleasant experience for her if she is making the choice instead of weaning when you are ready.

Answer 10

If she is weaning herself then you should not feel guilty.  You should give her what she wants because she must be ready for it.  Good luck!

Answer 11

THIS IS SO KEY!!!  BABIE'S ARE PEOPLE TOO!!  SHE IS TAKING A STAND, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!  LET HER DO HER THING, MAYBE SHE WANTS TO BE LIKE BIG SIS!  I THINK SHE'S GONNA BE A REAL GO-GETTER, THEY KEEP THERE PERSONALITIES, BELIEVE ME!  MY SON IS 29 AND STILL SMART, MELLOW, ETC.  GROOVY!!!