I promised those fatwas (yes, everybody, groan why don’t you 
) a very long time ago so here they are:
I also attended an ABA meeting in November last year on the topic of weaning. Obviously, their stance is to promote child-led weaning though they gave useful advice for mothers needing to wean. I was more interested in weaning at a later age (after 2 years) and I’m going by my ever failing memory here so I may have missed something:
1. Offer cuddles and hugs as a substitute for a feed.
2. Distraction
3. Being wide awake and already dressed by the time your child wakes up for their morning feed.
4. Explain that after she/he turns a certain age (whichever you decide) there will be no more breastfeeding. Sounds simple enough but it never occurred to me that the child would actually be at an age where they would understand (having had 2 boys who self weaned before 18 months of age).
5. Have a “big girl” or “big boy” party to acknowledge the transition.
6. Tell your child that breastfeeding is only for the morning/night/at home and if he/she is thirsty or needs comfort he/she can get this from a cup or a cuddle. This is useful when trying to reduce the number of feedings gradually. It also avoids those stares from onlookers, horrified that you are STILL feeding your toddler.
7. Offer solid food before a breastfeed.
8. Use your partner as a distraction. It’s hard to refuse a feed if your child is right there, cuddling in your arms so let your partner hold your child and take of him/her at night
Have I missed anything?
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Very good advice
I have only one thing to add:
Goo goo, waaaaaa
Ya Haqq!
Heehee. Goochie gooo
THank you for the advice. My son just turned 2 and I would really like to know how a child “self” weans.
My son is allergic to cows milk, eggs, wheat, and maybe soy and rice..so it is really difficult to not nurse him because I’m thinking “he’ll starve” Any advice for this first time mom.