i need some serious weaning help?

I would suggest to back off a little - forget an end date, like 18mo, or 20mo. Don't set a deadline. Keep the nursings thats making him grumpy to not have, but watch for opportunities to distract him with something else instead of nursing. And if he's still looking to nurse, then nurse. You don't want to turn it into a power struggle. Remember - all kids will wean when they are ready. It won't go on forever, and it's healthy for him in the meantime.

Some people prepare their children for weaning by offering something "big boy" for when they wean. I suppose it's like a bribe, but we're talking about something your child is not ready to do. Have a "big boy" party when he's weaned - tell him about it, that it will happen when he's ready to stop. Or perhaps he's be allowed to do something his older siblings do now that he's "too little" for.

You mentioned that his teeth are hurting you - make sure he's not being lazy nursing. His teeth should be out of the way if he's sucking, and when he's not sucking, unlatch him. Pull him in closer and his teeth won't have as much opportunity to irritate.

As someone else mentioned, you CAN force him to wean, but it won't be a pleasant experience for either of you. It sounds as though you're almost there. Good luck.

when weaning you have to do it very very slowly, if not the child may feel rejected. instead of weaning all together, you have to get rid of a feeding every other day or every couple of days. most importantly, if he asks for it don't deny it, just try to cut it short and remind him that you love him. if you only nurse at night then try nursing for less and less time and if he takes more than one feeding then skip one of the feedings every 2 or three days, and then every other day, and then eliminate it. then continue with the rest. the key to mother-led-weaning is SLOWLY. the behavioral problems you are seeing in your child may be that he feels rejected. try to remind him that you love him by giving him extra attention and hugs and kisses. remember that he found security in the breast and now he lacks it. i hope things get better mommy! good luck!

This is the same with any toddler who wants something but can't have it....they throw a temper tantrum. He is old enough to understand that when Mommy says No, he can't have it. Yes, he'll cry for a couple of days once he realizes you are not giving in, but after that, it will be smooth sailing. Try switching the subject when he throws a fit to get him to forget the boob....does he like a certain toy? TV show? food? Try to distract him with that.

He's old enough to know how to get what he wants. You have to assert yourself and remain consistent. Don't let him get what he wants, and don't let him get away with the behavior. You need to discipline him however it is that you believe. You have to be the one to tell him no now, or the behavior will continue and get worse and also harder to correct as he gets older. Stick to your guns. You obviously felt it was time, so stand by that. Don't give in...you're the mommy. =)

All that has really nothing to do with weaning. He's throwing tantrums, like any toddler would. And just like any parent ought to you need to not allow him to throw tantrums.

Weaning isnt rocket science, and it isnt any more tragic than you make it. Put your boobs away, give him a sippy, and be there to guide him through the transition. its silly to read so much into it.

sorry - he's just not ready.

you can force wean him but you're seeing the effects of that already.

why do so many ppl think that giving up breastfeeding is so easy for a baby? it's NOT. i suggest you try to quit smoking or go a month without internet for a closer comparison - and you're a grownup!

...jeez, why keep trying to wean? He's still getting health/nutrition benefits a-go-go from it and _clearly_ he _needs_ it.