thread: Can a baby wean and then go back to BF?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    Bonbeach, Melbourne
    7,177

    Can a baby wean and then go back to BF?

    So DD has weaned it seems Hasn't Bf at all this week, I'm adjusting and really mourning it. My milk has been gone for about a month or so now, before that just a few drops, and just recently my colostrum has come in. She now refuses boob, pushes me away, shakes her head and won't attach. She still pats them etc, just no feeding. Is it possible at all that when my milk comes back in after birth, she will be able to resume BF again, or will she forget the suck? I'd love to tandem feed and regardless she will have milk, be it pumped or from the source. But is it possible?
    Last edited by PumpkinZulu; July 5th, 2012 at 11:26 PM.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    melb
    8,498

    There is always a chance she will start feeding again but also a chance she may forget how to suck. At least you could express and give it to her in a cup.

    Huge hugs its sad when a child weans I am still upset that DS1 weaned few weeks ago and he is nearly 4.

    xoxo

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    Bonbeach, Melbourne
    7,177

    Thanks Feeb. The hardest part from me is I'm not kidding myself, I know if I wasn't pregnant there is no way known my DD would have weaned at this age. She seems to have finally adapted (but it took a few months of tears from her as my milk dropped and dropped, really heartbreaking), but I still am struggling with the guilt and the fact that she's only 12 months old. I didn't even get one last picture of us BFing I'm still offering loads for her, but no joy.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    Melbourne
    3,660

    I nearly said on FB but I am pretty sure loulabelle's DS1 weaned when she was pregnant with DD and when DD was born (DS1 16-17m) she was able to tandem feed.
    I could be mistaken but I think that's right.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Sep 2011
    Melbourne
    403

    I have no experience nor advice to add. Just want to say you've done a fantastic job PZ and uve done your best.


    Sent from my smart phone using Tapatalk.(Occasional fat fingers syndrome might occur)

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Feb 2006
    Newcastle, NSW
    4,219

    Keep offering hun. Lucy weaned a while ago and then started again 2 weeks later. It could just be a phase she is going through.


    From my iPhone.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    Home with my Son :)
    2,611

    just keep offering, i reckon she'll go back when she see's the baby feeding..

  8. #8
    BellyBelly Life Member - Love all your MCN friends
    Add Gigi on Facebook

    Jun 2004
    The Festival State
    3,008

    Yes.

    it's possible.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    Melbourne
    3,300

    DD gave up feeding at 22 months when I was 20 weeks pregnant, she started back up at prob 30 months after seeing a fellow toddler feeding (zero encouragement from me). In beginning she didn't suck that well but was ok if feeding at same time as her brother but has got better and if I encouraged her more I think she would be quite good (at her age am not really into letting her more than once a day as feeding DS is enough for me). I would think even easier with younger baby - you know how kids are if you don't 'want' it to happen it will.

    Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

  10. #10
    Registered User

    May 2007
    Warrnambool Vic
    1,476

    All babies go to the breast in time. They don't forget how to suck - it just becomes a "dry argument" when they have an alternative. If both you and she want to feed and there is milk, then she will be able to feed.

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    Balnarring, Vic
    1,900

    Pz, as dc said, my ds weaned when I was pregnant with dd. he would go weeks without feeding the occasionally have a suck for a minute, then not feed for another few weeks. He did still like to be near my breasts though, patting and cuddling up to them.
    The second he saw me feed dd, he went strait back on and when my milk came through you couldn't get him off. He fed until he went on to feed for another two years.

    So yes, it can happen! Keep her around the breast and continue to offer even if she's showing no interest.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk so forgive spelling mistakes

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    Bonbeach, Melbourne
    7,177

    Thank you so much girls This morning DD took one breast Only for a short while, but I was so happy. Glad I've kept offering for her. Your replies keep me hopeful she'll back when the milk does.

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    Balnarring, Vic
    1,900

    That's fantastic pz. If she can continue to have tiny feeds every so often I think your in with a good chance. Good luck xx


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk so forgive spelling mistakes

  14. #14
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    Bonbeach, Melbourne
    7,177

    Was really unexpected, this morning as soon as she opened her eyes she was signing for milk Felt horrible and she was very quick, but yay, I am glad. Got a picture of us feeding too.