Weaning at 12 months

[fruitjuice]

I feel upset about weaning. I'm the first in my mother's group to do it, and I won't know what to do if she wakes up at night time!

My DD began to only want to breastfeed when she was around me and didn't know how else to bond with me. She also started wanting to be fed ALL night while she slept. So although I don't want to stop, I think it's better for DD if I do.

I now give her a feed in the morning just for my comfort, but i'll stop this in a week or two.

Did anyone else get upset when they weaned their baby? Also, what is the best thing for my baby - is there a health benefit?

I've only stopped for the past few days, so i can easily start back up again if this is better for DD. I suppose I'm feeling a bit guilty!

[ShadyCharacter]

There are many benefits in continuing to feed your baby! The WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of two years!

I don't have much time, but I am sure some of the other lovely ladies will be along to give you some more info :)

[Lastcenturymum]

If she wakes at night time, send your hubby!! Unless she sleeps with you, then are are in trouble!

My son choose to wean at 12 months himself and I was kinda sad as I knew he was my last and my last experience at feeding. It was sad, but I saw it as his step to independance and growing up and me getting myself back - not that I minded.

My daughter was weaned at 15 months gradually but she kinda of went off my milk, didn't know why till I discovered I was pregnant with my son :rolleyes: (she must have known before me and is still a knowall:laughing: )

[forbetoel]

DONT feel guilty, you have done a great job and your baby will continue to thrive without breast milk. Btw I am a BF mum myself, and can totally understand where you are coming from.

[Little Chookie]

Fruitjuice,

I know that feeding a toddler can be demanding, and you get all touched out. But you can put things in place to minimise that, distraction/behaviour modification like you have already implemented: limit the feeds is something us full term feeders can do for our own sanity (I'm not talking Crying it out or Controlled Crying here either.) More just making it a mutual satisfing experience as it is a relationship after all.

You can continue to feed and work on cutting out the numerous night feeds, there are ways. Inlisting your partner to settle bub and be on night duty for cuddles is one. And slowly decreasing the ammount you comfort feed by introducing distractions or cuddles.

I thought I would link to another bubhub thread that may give you some inspiration to carry on.

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=122573

Keep up the fantastic work:thumbsup:

[fruitjuice]

Thank you for your replies. I really missed it today. However, DD has started sleeping through since I stopped, she'll go to her Dad without crying, and is much more independent (started standing up today) and less clingy. Also, she now cuddles me and talks when she wants to spend time with me instead of grizzling for milk.

So I think it's been the best for her. I'll keep the morning feed for a bit longer in case she's still getting some health benefits.

It was her 1st birthday today - I can't believe I made it this far. I didn't think I'd be breastfeeding past 3 months it was so hard to start with! I am definitely going to BF my next baby, it was worth it.