How to partially wean

[sharvs]

I am returning to work in 6 weeks, DD is 5 months next week. Expressing at work is not an option so I need to know how I can partially wean her. I would like to still breastfeed in the morning, evening and early night if possible. DD feeds on demand, usually every 2 hours during the day but I am assuming she will go longer periods when she is on formula. I know I have to drop one feed at a time to reduce the risk of mastitis but I feel at a loss of how to start. I will be away from her from 7am until 4.30pm for 4 days a week.

[misskittyfantastico]

I know people who've gone back to work and mix fed and continued to BF successfully when home.

With weaning, it's best to drop one feed over a period of several days and then drop the next one. So maybe start by replacing a mid morning feed with formula for 5 days or so and if you feel like your supply has adjusted, move on to the next one. You might find that bub will resist taking a bottle from you because they know you've got the other stuff so you could have your DH or mum etc...give the formula.

Good luck!

[Eilonwy]

Gradually drop feeds & replace with formula one by one over as long a time frame as possible. I did this no problems, & mix fed til 15 months, & I would have gone longer if I didn't fall pregnant & just felt like it was more work for my body to produce milk when I had morning sickness etc. It's totally doable. I did it at 10 1/2 feeds though so it would be a bit more feeds for you to drop, but if you think your supply is suffering you can always do a bit of expressing (but u probably won't have to)

[sharvs]

Thanks girls. It all seems like its too hard, so much easier to pop the b00b out when necessary.... I've been delaying the inevitable but now there is only 6 weeks left I cant put it off much longer

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