how to wean my baby girl......?

Question

shes 1 year old,iam going back to work leaving her for 9h iwant to do that without affecting her...the other problem that shes depending mostly on breast feeding.thank u.

Answer 1

If she is mostly on breastfeeding, then weaning is not a good idea. Taking away the majority of her diet could make her very sick. I've spoken to several mothers who had babies hospitalized with dehydration because they thought it was a good idea to stop feeding their babies!! (The theory was that if you stop feeding them, they'll agree to eat other foods--it DOESN'T WORK!!)

So for the time being, I would suggest pumping and leaving your milk for her. Keep offering her other foods, but don't try to force feed her--again it won't work and can cause serious damage. When she's less dependent on your milk, you can gradually wean.

Answer 2

Well, don't forget that you can pump for her, and that she can still nurse at home. After all, WHO recommendations suggest nursing to AT LEAST 2 years, and AAP to AT LEAST one year. Since she's one, she can also try cow's milk.

As for weaning, I'd suggest replacing a midday feeding with a replacement drink (milk, stage 2 formula, etc) in a cup. She shouldn't need to use a bottle unless she's already used on and is familiar with it. Once this works, replace a second feeding, and so on.

One cautionary note -- if she's still primarily nursing, you need to make sure her supplement provides adequate iron and nutrition. For this reason, you may wish to use infant formula instead of stage 2 formula, because it's a more complete nutritional source.

Answer 3

first you have to wean her....when that is done, then start out leaving her for short periods of time and then gradually go longer and longer. See if your job will allow you a few weeks of part time work and gradually go full time. If not, see if the day care center will let you do it when you are home. Pick her up after 2 hours the first day, then 3 hours the second day and so on...until she is used to it.

Answer 4

Isn't a one year old a little too old to still be breast feeding? I mean no disrespect I just thought that you should wean them earlier than that. She should be eating some solid foods by now anyway. You'll probably have to pump for a while and give her less and less. You'll mess up her digestive system if you just stop giving it to her. Good luck.

Answer 5

At one she should be working her way to a up and cow's milk or soy which ever you prefer. Begin by letting somone else give it to her from the cup. You may continue to nurse in the moorning and before bed if you desire, I know I did, and then as time goes on you will be able to give her the cup yourself.

Answer 6

well you can pump your milk and put it in a bottle or a sipper cup for her and try leaving her with a family member or friend for a couple of hours a day so that she can get use to not having you around her all day and by the time she goes to daycare or the baby sitter she'll be fine

Answer 7

Wow, good for you being able to do it so long, I wasn't as fortunate. I attached a few links for you, one thing I definately definately recommend is the old wives tale of Cabbage leaves, Oh my God it works, no engorgement and relief for you. Put the largest cabbage leaves in the freezer and then place them on your breasts and then slip on an old bra, you will be amazed, you won't smell to good, but it's worth it. Good Luck
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/8497.html
http://www.babycenter.com/expert/baby/babybreastfeed/8921.html
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/weaning.html
http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/babies/Weaning.htm

Answer 8

if she is weaning naturally at all by drinking from a cup, follow that -- otherwise, pump into an avent bottle for awhile, then switch.

it's hard.