Lights Out on Night Nursings

A Gentle Approach to
Night Weaning

By Teri Brown

There are many schools of thought concerning how you should wean your child from those night feedings. As always, moms will take everything under consideration and then do what is best for themselves and their family.

Many parents are active proponents of feeding on demand and are happy with their choices, but what happens when a child insists on his midnight snack long after he becomes a toddler? What happens when Mommy decides she is finished with that part of motherhood and feels ready to give up those night feedings? Can night weaning be done with compassion, love and understanding?

Hunger may not be the only reason your child continues to nurse at night. "Nursing is about more than just food," says Diana West, R.N., IBCLC. "It is a way for a child to feel reassured and comforted. Nighttime is scary for many little children because it is dark and quiet. Nursing with Mommy gives them reassurance and security."

West believes that children also want to nurse when they are in pain, because sucking and even the milk itself mitigate pain. During the second year, many molars are pushing through the gums and this can be quite painful. West also points out that ear infections can also be the cause of nighttime pain. "No matter what the child's pain, emotional or physical, nursing makes him feel all better," she says.

It is very normal for small children to look to nurse at night. Children who are not allowed to nurse may eventually fall asleep, but they will not receive the comfort they seek.

Kathleen Bruce, R.N., IBCLC, and host of a weekly breastfeeding help chat for breast pump manufacturer Medela, believes that a gradual transition is the best way and this is only after being certain that your child no longer needs that bond.

"Moms should weigh the benefits of weaning with the disadvantages," she says. "Keep in mind that it's not unusual for babies, toddlers and young children to wake up at night. And also remember that in our society, these children are often separated from their parents all day. Sometimes being separated all night as well is just too much for them."

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