Weaning - 17mos and just off chemo
I began weaning my son just before his first birthday when he was diagnosed with liver cancer. Once he was diagnosed, I knew the best thing, and possibly the only physical thing I could do for him was to breast feed. It was the best decision I could have made because it provided comfort to him during all the hospital visits, tests, and so on. Additionally, when I could not get him to eat anything else, he always wanted the breast. We are finishing up his last round of chemotherapy and after the past six months of him on my breast constantly, I would like to begin weaning him. I am not worried about the day time; what I am worried about is night time. He sleeps with me and is on the breast the majority of the night. If he wakes just the least bit and realizes he is not on my breast he throws a fit until he is on it again. I am not sure the best way of getting him weaned during the nights and getting him to sleep through the night on his own. Do I put him in a crib at the same time? Do I put him in his own room at the same time? Do I leave him in our bed? Do I let him cry it out? I have never been so unsure of a decision as this one. My breast has brought a whole new comfort to him over his experience with cancer and chemotherapy. Thank you in advance for any insightful information or experience anyone can share =)