From breast to bottle / cup??

Question

I want to have my tenth month old completely weaned by the time he turns a year old. (or around then) My first son weaned himself at 6 months - I had planned to go the year but he obviously had other plans :) I have been trying to cut back already but not having a lot of luck because he WILL NOT take formula and since he is also on solids he isn't going to get hungry and take the formula anyway. He will drink milk but is not suppose to be strictly on milk until at least 11 mths (according to my pediatrician). Anyway I have never had to wean before and since we are quickly approaching the 11 months I am wondering how to do this? He is only feeding once in the morning, 1 before his nap, once after his nap, and then again before bed. Do I cut one at a time? Or all of them? And how long do you wait before you cut out another? Do I just let myself get engorged? I know it is fine to breastfeed after a year and I don't have any problem with people that do. But this is something that I am just personally not comfortable with. He has 4 teeth and is cutting the fifth so I am already doing ALOT of gritting of my teeth from him scraping so much. Are there any good sites with this kind of info??

Answer 1

I would make sure he can handle a cup. Rather than giving milk...I would get him to enjoy water and some juice(however that has a lot of sugar). Milk is really not all that good for us. Don't worry with giving formula. Weaning to the cup works great. When he gets up in the morning, have him a nice breakfast ready. Hopefully he will be enjoying his breakfast so much, that he won't think about nursing. Also after his nap have his snack ready. Apple slices are nice. Anything to divert his attention from wanting to nurse. In just a second their minds are on other things usually. Then that is two feedings that are eliminated. Then try a routine of reading a story, rocking for a few minutes or whatever calms him down before bed. I wouldn't try to rush it. It is certainly best for your child. I applaud you for continuing this long. Most would give it up.

Oh, and by the way...the answer here that says you are very fertile when breastfeeding is so incorrect. It sometimes delays ovulation and can decrease the chances of pregnancy...but is no means a contraceptive...but you are definately not more fertile.

Answer 2

I did until 22 months--the teeth thing was only a problem when they were actively getting new teeth. :-)

But when I did decide it was time, I just kind of did it fewer times until it was just the bedtime one. And then I left her with my sister for a couple days (and nights). Yeah, I got engorged, but it only lasted a day or two--ziploc bags of crushed ice in the bra helped a lot!

Good luck!

Answer 3

Have you checked with your local la leche league? You can probabky find them on line, or call the hospital you delivered at and ask to speak with their lactation consultant. I weaned one feeding at a time and I never really got painfully engorged. Good luck!

Answer 4

I think it is appaling to breastfeed after a year when a child has teeth and can talk. The baby should have milk in a bottle until atleast 15 months old and then transition to a sippy cup. Don't get rid of the bottle to soon. Babies need it for comfort. As for yor own breasts, I's suppliment and slowly they'll dry up. Remember as long as you breastfeed you are very fertile!!!!!

Answer 5

If you're a good looking, hot mom, you could breast feed him until he's at least 21. If you're not good looking, then do the kid a favor and switch to Formula as soon as possible.

Answer 6

I wouldnt do it all at once try It after his nap and once he is ok with this try another one and so on.