My DS is just over 13 months old and for the past 4 days has not wanted any BFs during the day. He doesn't have any other milk yet (I'm thinking he may have issues with dairy) so has only been taking water. I'm trying not to stress about it- just offering at the normal times (nap times- he usually feeds to sleep) but we've had no luck. Could he be weaning?
The only feed he's happy to take is the night one- typical!
Peekay, how are you feeling about this? Most babies won't self-wean at that age. One of mine did, but I was pg so that explained it. It is possible that your little one is one of ones who will self-wean early, but it could also be a period of breast refusal, which will be temporary. Have you noticed anything different that might have started this - ovulation, AF, pg, your baby being unwell, some change in your life etc?
If you want to keep bfing, the best idea is to keep offering. If he's feeding better at night, it might be that feeding him when he's sleepy will work best for you. Also you could try relaxing in the bath together and see if that raises his interest.
If this is weaning, it is not necessary to introduce cows' milk, just try to include a range of calcium rich foods in his diet (the Victorian vegetarian society has a fantastic website which lists foods high in calcium).
MantaRay, I have mixed feelings about it actually. I thought I would be devastated, but I'm just sad. I had a bath with him last night and usually he playfully tries to feed when we're in there but he showed no interest. He's always been a distracted feeder so feeding to sleep has worked well for us- ie he gets a good feed and goes to sleep! This refusal has surprised me the most! I've tried feeding him when he wakes from a nap too, but so far no luck. I'll keep offering but I'm not really keen to express so no doubt my supply will drop soon. I was engorged for a few days but now it's fine.
I have no cycle to speak of and nothing has happened in my life that could affect my milk that I can think of. I've not eaten anything new (he's sensitive to my diet) either.
DH and I are wanting to TTC again soon and I have a clomid script waiting in the wings for when my little one does wean. That contributes to me not feeling devastated I think.
But I'm also feeling scared. For us, BFing is so much more than nutrition. It's how I comfort him and get him back to sleep and settle him etc. When he's sick, I don't worry if he doesn't eat much food if he's still BFing well. All that will change now
Well done on getting to 13 months It sounds like he could have weaned himself My little one also self-weaned a few days short of 13 months so I sort of know how you feel. I did the same, tried offering at regular times, had baths etc but she wouldn't have a bar of it. I think they just know, so I think that means you've done a really great job as he's independant and knows what he wants.
I too thought I'd have stresses getting her to sleep with no boob or settling her when she was upset but have found that we have waaay more cuddles and I sing/rock her to sleep which doesn't take as long as I would have thought!! Also found that she's sleeping through much better so hopefully your little man does too! Good luck
I know what you mean about feeling scared peekay. I remember when my DS was well on the way to self-weaning and I had a sudden panic - but what if he gets gastro, or won't settle, what would I do? But we did manage!!
I'm glad there is an upside for you, that must help too. All the best with whatever happens hun
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Is this weaning?
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