On June 14 the my son celebrated his 3rd birthday. I have been trying to stop breastfeeding on and off since 6 months, but with no luck :-(
Since my son is a spirited kid, I know it's highly challenging to make him stop breastfeeding. But, I got to do it. It's already late...
Here is the process I basically want to follow:-
1)My son calls the "Mother's Milk", "Goo Goo". So I would start telling him that "Goo Goo" has now turned out to be bitter and bad tasting. I would keep telling it to him every hour or so.
2)Whenever my son wants to breastfeed, I will try offering him alternative milk/juice.
3)I am trying to employ "Moosambaram", an Indian herb, which is very bitter. I will make a paste of it and would apply on the nipples, whenever my son forces me to breastfeed.
4)I am hoping my son would develop aversion against breastmilk. But if he wipes away Moosambaram paste and starts drinking the milk, next time, I would apply a thicker paste(which means increased bitterness) the next time.
5)When he starts crying(he would, this is the hardest part to deal with), because "Goo Goo" is now bitter and he wants the real "Goo Goo", I will try to divert/soothe him by offering the toys he likes or showing him the videos he loves or taking him to the other kids so he can play with them.
6)It is easier to avoid breastfeeding during the day time. But my son doesn't even go to bed unless breastfed during the night :-( I am hoping after tasting the bitter breast, he would somehow compromise and go to sleep.
I will provide occassional updates on my progress... I need lot of emotional support to deal with his cryings during the process... :-(