My DD was like this and to be honest, didn't really start eating substantially till a few weeks ago (she is 22 months now, sorry if that scares you but remember, breastmilk provides such a large percentage of their needs, especially before 12mo). We had a guest stay with us so I decided to start a "feeds in bed" type deal (still anytime she wanted but we had to go to the other room) and that saw her cut back from 12+ feeds a day to 6-7 (including 2-3 overnight) because it meant taking time out from all the fun. I've kept that up because, well, I am ready now to start slowing down and this seemed to work as a gentle discouragement from feeding 24/7. She hasn't been upset or anything, she just comes and holds out her hand for me to be lead to the bed when she would like some milk. The feeds are usually shorter now too. It was a knock-on from this that her solid intake started increasing so that's an idea for when she gets a bit older and to say that yeah, I did have to push a little in the end but for now, I'd just leave it be.
I wouldn't worry, really -- breastmilk is wonderful. It can seem tiring, I'm still in the middle of it and occasionally get that 'over it' feeling. My DD never took a bottle or dummy either although I never really tried with the bottle business but you can do it, you are doing it and breastfeeding actually takes very little toll on the body, we are designed for this
Bookmarks