Would you relactate for a toddler?

[mommyof3co]

As I've posted before hayden nursed until 19mo then he self weaned. I've missed it ever since but just followed his lead, he was done, too busy to nurse. Well the past week (he's 22mo) he's been asking atleast once a day to nurse. I have nothing for him though. I'm kinda stuck, I really don't know what to do, I really wouldn't mind him nursing again but I would have to do something to start producing again (no clue where to start with that if that's what I decide), should I do that, just flat out tell him no he can't anymore? Or let him see that there is nothing and leave it at that?

 

[Brockie]

i wouldn't personally hon, he stopped for a reason and might just be going through a phase as he remembers what it was like now, i would try and distract him with something only big boys are allowed, not sure what tho! but u get what i mean, your decision tho at the end of the day hon xx

 

[marley2580]

From what I understand, a lot of toddlers ask but can't actually remember how to nurse, so I wouldn't relactate. I would either say no or let him find out for himself.

 

[Mervs Mum]

I'd let him see there's nothing there. He might just be feeling a bit clingy for some reason?

x

 

[mommyof3co]

Yeah that was my worry, going through all the work just to find out he really doesn't want to actually do it. But I feel bad telling him no. So far I've let him try and he sucks just a sec and stops. Maybe he is just getting clingy again. He's been laying on me putting his hands down my shirt and just laying there when he gets upset again..which is what he did when he was nursing, they were his comfort you know? I'll just see how he does and keep letting him see there is nothing for him

 

[Hevz]

No....I wouldn't. It's possible as it's possible to re-lactate at any stage but......it would take an incredible amount of effort and willpower as at this age baby may not be able to suckle efficiently as others have said and they may just get frustrated and bite you

 

[Jemima]

I wouldn't to be honest. Perhaps he's just going through a clingy stage. Plus, I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing to say no occasionally. x

 

[mommyof3co]

Well I'm not against saying no if need be haha, but I feel bad telling him no to something we both enjoyed and was his comfort..and well life support...for so long.

 

[Jemima]

I know what you mean. I am just in the process of weaning Poppy off me and she has got to the age where she knows "where it's at" and it's so tough to say no to her. I guess it's all part of growing up though, eh?

 

[marley2580]

Maybe he's picked up on the drama that happened the other day and this has made him feel a little insecure. I'm sure he'll stop asking soon.

 

[Logiebear]

I agree with every one else, I would say no and let let him see that there is nothing there. If he is feeling a little clingy about something then it is part of growing up that kids learn other coping mechanisms. I know that probs sounds harsh for a little person but they learn young how to self sooth etc so this shouldn't be any diff. It is your choice though hun xxx

 

[mommyof3co]

See that's the thing, he does self soothe in other ways, don't think it's that. He really hasn't been more clingy, we cuddle alot, just he has started asking while cuddling some to nurse, which he hadn't done. Nothing really has changed personality wise, he isn't acting different. I've decided I'm not going to try and relactate, just let him figure out there is nothing there. I think he has forgotten how to latch properly though, but not sure.

 

[ryder]

I dont thing you should... You would need to go on dom and fenugreek and be pumping or nursing every 2 hours around the clock (just about) to be successful...

I also dont think he needs to self-sooth either. He is at the age where he should know its his mommy who is his comfort... Not your boobs. Infants get comfort from nursing because they are unaware and their instinct is to suckle... A child his age has the mental capacity to know whats appropriate and where he can get comfort from...

You need to talk to him and communicate about his worries and probs... And of course snuggle. Conversing is a huge thing he needs to be learning though.

Like the others have said, his incident the other day in the water has likely put a scare on him. Im sure he will be fine soon.

 

[mommyof3co]

No that wasn't hayden that fell into the water, no way lol, I wouldn't put him out on that tube without an adult lol. That was Casen, my 4yr old

I think he just misses it, it was our quiet time, just our special thing that his brothers didn't get to do. He's very jealous, if they are in my lap he gets upset, if they lay with me he climbs between telling them to get back. It's probably just his age, i remember Casen doing the same thing with Landon but he had stopped nursing earlier so this wasn't an issue that came back up.

 

[Mervs Mum]

Boys just love their mummies right?!

Aww I feel for ya honey. It's gotta be hard for you both but I think you know if he's really done. xx