Resuming nursing after attempted weaning

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January 11, 2015

Question

I recently heard that a child who doesn't nurse for 3 days can't resume nursing if he's older than 2. Isn't it cruel to cut him off cold turkey if he changes his mind?

This website says that a child can nurse till 4 or till 5 if he really needs it. So if a 3 year old decides to "be brave" for a week and go to sleep with a cuddle instead of nursing, and then cries for his usual bedtime nursing, can't he resume?

Answer

In the situation you describe there is room to permit resuming breastfeeding.

If there is a reason that a child over the age of 2 but under the age of 4/5 didn't nurse for three days (e.g., the mother was away, illness, or, as in this case, an attempt at weaning), and it is in the child's best interest to resume nursing (whether for health reasons or an emotional need), it would be permitted.

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.