I feel so guilty about wanting to wean Ds at 12mths.........

[Freya]

I know I shouldnt because 12mths is a great effort and beyond anything I thought I would do but it still doesnt stop mama guilt

Im just tired and done. I have alot going on this year with Uni and 3 very energetic boys; he is still waking for 2 or 3 night feeds..........I can only leave him with DH and even thats iffy at best because all he does is fuss and want booby. Im sure he would feed til he is 3 or 4 if I wanted too but I dont. I dont want to have to fight a 16mth or a 2yo to wean because Uni is full on and I am tired/not getting enough sleep (but weaning off night feeds would kill me because he would not let go easily and that would mean he would only be breastfed for 3 whole days max which would reduce my supply alot!)

I guess Im just looking for some advice or support that Im not being selfish by wanting to do this

[Twin Sister]

I don't think you're being selfish. 12 months is longer than a lot of women make it, you did a great job. There's no reason for you to feel guilty. You should be proud of yourself for managing 12 whole months!

That being said I know what it feels like. I weaned DS at 18 months because I was having trouble getting pregnant and I felt really guilty too. He took it a lot better though than I thought he would and he still loves me so there was no reason for me to feel guilty.

[Spring Angel]

Mate, you've done an awesome job getting this far but in reading your post it sounds to me like it's the night feeds that are getting to you as opposed to the day ones. Is it possible to night wean him? That way you can get some rest and let DH take over a bit but you still get to continue your BF relationship. Is it possible just to have one or two feeds a day say morning and before bed? Would that be something you want to do?

Either way hun, you should be so very proud of getting to 12 months. You've given your little lad such a great start to life.

Spring xx

[Freya]

I wouldnt even know how to begin night weaning.

If I did decide to just feed during the days how would me being away for 2 days affect supply and all that? Id love to make it to 16-18mths (approx July) because then I go to 4 days a week at Uni and he might be more ready to wean himself.

[Spring Angel]

I think if you do it gradually your supply will just adjust. As O started to wean he was only having a feed every day or so. If I missed a day my boobs were fine, didn't get engorged or leak. I think it is the slowly slowly approach that works the best. Once he had 100% weaned I didn't get any engorgement or pain, I think because he had gradually wanted less and less it just worked.

Night weaning is challenging, I actually think there are some threads around ATM about it. If you are satisfied that he is getting enough bm during the day and solids then it is a case of lots of cuddles to resettle as opposed to the boob. Even offer a sip of water. It might take a while for him to get used to it but it may mean you can continue BF for a while yet and still keep your sanity.

HTH
Spring