Weaning a toddler from the breast is a big step especially for the toddler. Gradually and as slow as possible will always work better. Not only does the toddler get used to not feeding but your breasts will thank you for it too. Both my boys have been breastfed past

12mths. My first was 23mths when we were down to 1 feed a day and cut it out. My youngest weaned a few mths ago at the age of 3yrs+3mths. It was  gradual process that took place over a year or more. So here's some tips that I hope will help.

1:- Work out how many feeds your child is having. Aim to drop a feed every 1-2weeks or longer if possible. 1 week I'd suggest is a min to allow your supply to adjust and bub to adjust.

2:- Work out what your hardest feeds will be. Aim for those ones to go first. A lot of mums find that if they can get rid of the annoying feeds (like feeding to sleep or overnight) then the other feeds are a lot easier to handle.

3:- If feeding to sleep or overnight then you'll have to tackle this as a different issue to weaning. Work out with your family what you are comfortable doing to help your child sleep without the boob. I can highly recommend the No Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers by Elizabeth Pantley. Try to avoid any sleep techniques that involve cry it out as the child will not only have to deal with losing their BF but also deal with being left alone.

4:- If you have an early waker who comes in to get a feed then you can avoid this by getting up before the child and getting dressed. If you're up ready to go and have lots of distraction ready the feed will soon be forgotten.

5:- Toddlers can be reasoned with. "mummies boobs are broken/empty". "you're a big boy now and don't need mummies milk" and similar things will help.

6:- Toddlers are easily distracted.Keep handy favourite toys/games drinks and foods to offer instead of the BF.

7:- If your child feeds less when you're out and about then do lots of trips to the park or to friends houses

8:- Avoid clothes with easy access "sorry mummy is wearing a dress and can't give you a feed"

9:- Work out what you'll do instead of offering a feed in emergencies. eg a lot of Bf mums offer a feed to judge the seriousness of an injury. If the boob fixes it then it's not soo bad and seems to stop the crying quicker. One of the hardest things after weaning is how to comfort them as easily.

10:-Don't forget to look after yourself. This is a tough time for mum too. And it's a great idea to check daily for lumps or sore spots. The last thing you want when weaning is a dose of mastitis-this is why slower is much better.

11:- Other family is great for really reluctant weaners. Can they stay at Grans for the weekend or can Dad take over the nighttime?

12:- Cut feeds short. Set a timer if you have to and cut it down until the feed is gone.

13:- Offer lots of cuddles and reassurance. Toddlers can think that they are being punished when things they love are removed. Some mums use a never offer but never refuse policy. I find now that my youngest still wants more cuddles at the times when he would have had a feed.

During my last BF experience there were times I resented BF. IT was important for me to assess why I was feeling this way and how I could resolve it. It was best for my son to keep feeding and so my feelings had to be addressed. A lot of the time it was just a day or 2 of these feelings. Perhaps just after a particularly trying week where he wanted comfort often, or a teething week where night feeds were back on. Over the final 12mths or so we gradually removed the overnight feeds sort of mutually. I never refused but I found instead the reason for him waking and addressed that. After he turned 3 the feeds went down to once a week then once every 2 weeks and then suddenly one day he asked and realised he'd forgotten how to suck.
 

I hope this helps those that are wanting to wean. Remember the WHO does recommend BF to continue for at least 2yrs and beyond. While not always practical the closer you can get to this goal the more the child will benefit.