When Did You Choose To Wean Your Child From Breastfeeding And Why?
January 17, 2010 by Guest Author
Filed under Breast Feeding Supplies
I just have this feeling, maybe my maternal instinct, that my daughter and I are done breastfeeding. She is 9 months old. She is so much more happy and content after a bottle, and I’ve got to admit that I’m getting tired of it (breastfeeding). I don’t love my daughter any less, I just feel like this is over. Is it bad to feel this way? Did anybody else stop because they wanted to and not because they had to?
I didn’t mind nursing my daughter, which lasted for about 6 1/2 months. I did have to return to my full time job, so the real reason was that I didn’t want to use my breaks to pump anymore. I did continue to nurse only in the evening for a short time after I stopped pumping, but eventually she was sleeping every night/all night. So we both just really stopped around the same time.
She is so healthy though, and I think the amount of time she nursed was a huge benefit – applause to you – quit when you’re both done (and don’t feel guilty!)
Your little doll knows you love her!
I nursed my one child till 18 months and the other 15 months. I (key word I) did NOT want to stop at 15 months (wanted to go at least to 18 like the first time) but it was the babies decision not mine.
You should try to make it at least to a year – then put the baby on whole milk.
TRUST ME WHEN I SAY …. I know how exhausting it can be.
If your baby is happier with a bottle then you can either pump (annoying, I know) or pump one side and feed off the other (which is the better option I think).
Remeber the baby can sense if you are unhappy so if breastfeeding is becoming too much then the baby may feel that and that maybe why she is rejecting the breast and feels more comfortable with the bottle.
Good Luck and try to hold out just a little longer.
Satisfaction is a dangerous word.
Formula is junk in my opinion, not satisfactory, JUNK. And your baby going longer in between feeds is not an indicator of it being better for her. Just means it took longer to digest.
You are making custom milk for your baby. Yes it is time consuming, yes it is NOT easy. But it is by far more superior than formula. What is more 3 months of sacrifice in your lifetime if the health of your child is on the line. Yes, formula feeding increases your babies risk of dying by 50%.
Not the feel good answer you probably wanted to hear, but the answer you needed to hear.
I weaned at 7 months, I was getting tired too. I actually had a harder time breast feeding in public. I am in no way coordinated, I could never figure out how to cover my baby’s head and my breast without the cover falling off over and over. I spent a lot of time at Baby’s R Us nursing room, no one was ever in there except me. When I pumped, I could only get out a couple of ounces, when my baby was around 5 months. I would try to pump a day ahead, to leave my baby with dad, just to get a break away…with my older son,and it was never enough. I felt guilty for giving it up, but I kept hearing to do what’s best for YOU and the baby. I somberly gave it up, and everything was less stressful, and more peaceful.
my son weaned himself. sometimes babies are more content with a ottle just because it’s easier and they can look around more with it. it doesn’t mean they are ready to fully wean yet. lots of mothers (especially in the US) choose to stop. most mothers who do the weaning stop ecause they want to, not because they had to. however, i let my son make the choice and he weaned at almost 2 years 5 months. however, he didn’t get a bottle much and maybe only once ever from me
With my first i weaned him off completely at a little past 5 months because he was drinking 10 ounces of milk about every 4 hours!! My poor boobies had had enough!! LOL
With my second, I weaned her off a little past 6 months. It was just that time. As you said, you have this feeling in which you just know that it’s the right time to stop.
I’m pregnant with my 3rd, and i’m going for 10 months..but who knows, maybe that “right time” will come a little sooner…
Best of luck hun!!
I worked in a state mental hospital when my daughter was born 8 yrs ago. I tried to pump but it was so hectic that I couldn’t as much as I wanted. I gradually dried up and she was weaned at 6 months. My son never ate any food whatsoever. Every calorie came from me. He nursed throughout the night through age 20 months. He had his first dental appt which showed 8 cavities. He had to have $400 worth of work. that was the last time i nursed.
I did with my first two before I should have. I still have guilty feelings about it. This time I’m sticking with it for at least a year no matter what. That will at least get us through the flu season. At that point I’ll evaluate. It is one of the decisions you need to be 100% sure of before stopping.
I was losing height on my jump shot.