Hi Honeybee,

I weaned my DD at six months so that I could start fertility treatment to have our second child. I was resentful at the time that I had to do it, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't have been able to start IVF, although it took six cycles and eight months to finally fall pregnant. My resulting DS is now six months old, and I'm back to the same decision, albeit that I don't know my ovarian reserve, but my IVF cycles don't indicate an egg problem and I would like to have a third and move on to the next stage without having to think constantly about getting pregnant.

Personally, the biggest hurdle as I see it, is making sure you have DH's support. The baby will be fine without BF'ing (it's us Mum's who find it tough!), and as you know, there is no guarantee you will fall pregnant on the first cycle, but they also make you wait until you have had a full cycle first, so even then, the shortest gap if you wean is about 17 months. Not ideal, but better than not having children if you really want them.

Good Luck with your decision