Can't get my son weaned!!!

[Angelpeach]

I've tried everything. He won't take bottles, he hates pacifiers. Tried the lemon juice AND vinegar on the nipples. He just ignored it. He's 3 1/2 and this HAS to stop. I'm getting no sleep, my back hurts so bad it hurts to sit straight. I'm feeling like an old woman and I'm only 26. My husband's no help... he just tells me to go nurse him to shut him up. I don't know what to do. Any ideas?

[Tonmarie]

I would like to say have your husband put him to sleep so the breast isn't an option, but I understand how that goes as I too am having trouble weaning my son. Since your son is over 3 years old, you may consider 1) preparing him for no nipple. By this, I mean discuss it regularly throughout the day. Have multiple conversations with him as to why he cannot have the breast when you go to bed. After talking about it all day, or maybe even for a couple days, start counting down to bedtime. For instance, one hour before bed give him a warning that bed time is coming near and he will not get the nipple tonight. Warn him again in another half hour, then 15min before bed, then 10 min before bed, then 5 min before bed (and obviously provide maybe a new blanket or stuffed animal he may be interest in), or 2) find something he is extremely interested in and let him know the first night he sleeps without the nipple he will get whatever it is. When we took the pacifier away from our 3 year old, we collected all the pacifiers and put them in a box my son decorated. That night the "paci fairy" came and left him a toy and a couple pieces of candy. He did okay with it, but we talked about it all day long so by the time night came, he was kinda okay with the idea. Good Luck!!