NEED ADVICE on stopping feeding

[alicesmum]

hi lovely ladies
i really need some of your advice and stories on how and when you stopped breastfeeding.

reason: i am going away o/s for a week when alice is 12 mths old and I don't know if this would be a perfect time to wean (obviously dropping a feed every day or 2 for the fortnight before I leave).

I had wanted to keep feeding until she was ready to stop, and definitely for at least 12 months. If i try to continue after i get back, I wonder if she will cope having the infant formula for a week and then returning to my boob???

If I choose to do this, I will definitely express at least once a day while I am away to keep my supply going (not that i think I'll dry up too quick with the milk-making machines under my shirt!). ;)

What have other people done??? Is it possible to have a break for a week and then resume feeding do you think? :confused:

[mamafelix]

I think it's probably totally up to you.
I've heard of women having a break and going back to it, for various reasons- some like you were going away, others had to go to hospital, or take drugs that they wouldn't want to pass on to their small one.
You could build up a supply of expressed milk and freeze it- that way she wouldn't have to deal with having a new type of milk as well as not having you?
I'd play it by ear personally, and see how she is around that time, whether she's naturally dropping some feeds or whether she's still a boob machine.

Personally- Felix is still 'feeding' though there's no milk ATM... so I guess I can't really help with weaning.

[xkwzit]

Hi Alice'sMum
If you are going to stop feeding altogther, dropping feeds gradually one at a time until your breasts get used to it would be the way to go.

If she's 12 months old, she won't require formula while you're away (unless you think she's intolerant to cow's milk).

I can't really comment on how a week's break will affect your supply (I was always very concious of "messing" with the milk machines).

Enjoy your trip :) .