When is it considered weaning?

[Sterla]

Okay, I've been wondering this for a while.

When I was about 12 weeks pregnant my milk kind of just disappeared, however DS continued to comfort suck for many, many weeks, and I considered this still breastfeeding - if he asked for it I gave it to him. But is it? Or is it considered weaning when they're not getting milk anymore?

Now DS doesn't really ask for booby anymore. It used to be he'd go a few days without asking, but now he goes more than a week without, then suddenly he'll remember and aslk for it. If he asks I give it to him - not that he really does much - he just lies there with it in his mouth, maybe has one or two sucks, and that's it. So, is this considered weaning, even though he still very occasionally asks?

It doesn't really matter, I've just been wondering for awhile is all .

[Barb Glare]

Many babies and children breastfeed for a long time at the breast without there ever having been milk (or only minimal milk) There's so much more to breastfeeding than just the milk. Any child who goes to the breast for nurturing and comfort with or without milk is breastfeeding in my book. And it's important for the child, and not anything to be minimised. My own sweet child didn't learn to breastfeed til she was nearly two years old then breastfed for more than 4 years with minimal to no milk available. But, just like all my other children she breastfed.

[Sterla]

Thanks Barb, that's what I thought - the act itself if breastfeeding, not necessarily the milk they are/are not getting.

[Janie]

I agree Sterla I would definitely consider that he is still 'breastfeeding'. Have you thought about tandem feeding?

[Sterla]

I have considered it, especially a few months ago when DS was still feeding a few times a day. But right now he goes most days without even thinking of it - we can go a week or more with nothing, then he'll remember and have a quick go. Who knows if he'll still be doing this, or if he'll just stop altogether? If he decides to start up again when bub is born and my milk comes in, I think I'd let him .

[Janie]

He might find it easier to remember when you have a bountiful supply of milk again The ABA has a terrific booklet 'Breastfeeding Through Pregnancy and Beyond' that you may find helpful, if you're interested.

[Sterla]

Yeah, I really need to track down some of these ABA booklets - I always have people recommending them. Actually, I really should become an ABA member...

[Janie]

Sounds like a plan! There are so many benefits to being an ABA subscriber it is a fantastic thing to do.

Here's where you can buy the booklets http://www.mothersdirect.com.au/cata...e/aba-booklets