Where do i begin to wean?

[*EJ*]

I think i'm ready to wean and i'm not sure where to begin.

I fed DS1 for 13 months (by 13 months it was only 1 morning feed a day) and the day i decided to stop was when i got the impression he really couldn't care if he had that feed or not. He didn't seem to care when dropping any of the feeds but i don't feel DS2 will be the same.

With DS2 i had decided that i'd try feed a little longer and we're on a path where that could happen quite easily. He's almost 14 months old and happily having at least 4 feeds a day. But i have unexpectedly fallen pregnant so it looks as though my path is changing

My first thoughts were that i'd keep going and even attempt tandom feeding if given the chance but i'm starting to change my mind. When the baby arrives i will have an almost 4 year old and a 21 month old and i'm a little worried about the extra pressure i'll be placing on myself. Life's going to be busy

DS currently has an early morning feed (sometimes more during the night if he wakes) and then one before morning, afternoon and evening sleep. He does not feed to sleep but it's definately a sleep cue. My thought is that i will get myself a decent breastpump and start expressing. I will try feeding him from a cup maybe 1 feed a day, see if i have sucess at cutting the actual breastfeed out and take it from there. If i can do this with him happily i may not have to competely stop giving him breastmilk.

I have had a read and i see that some little ones actaully wean themselves when mum falls pregnant but i'm a bit hesitant about waiting for it to happen and getting too close to when the baby will arrive therefore upsetting him to see someones else having 'his boobie'. I'd like to have something in place ahead to save upsetting him and causing any jealousy issues.

Does this sound like it will have the potential to work? Do you have any other suggestions? The last thing i want to do is make this an ordeal so beginning quite early i'm giving us a lot of time to reach our mark. I hope...

Thanks in advance ladies

[*EJ*]

What do i do, i've realised i posted this in the wrong section??

[onthefly]

I think it's ok to leave it here.

I can't really offer you any advice, just wanted to suggest that you give yourself a little time. Maybe try cutting back a bit and see how you go before making the plunge. I understand you not wanting to make a big change right before the new baby comes, but a few months notice is probably enough? Perhaps see if his feeding habits change in the next month or so and take it from there?

All the best and congrats on your pregnancy

[Miss.September]

I'm only beginning to wean my 13mo DD, so I don't have any real solid advice for you. I'm finding that she's set on the first feed of the day and a late afternoon/evening feed. The ones that she was quick with, ie lunch and after breakfast, I can get away with cow's milk or water instead and she's happy with that. Maybe work out which feeds your son is not so focused on and see if you can swap to a cup.

Good luck!

Corelly x

[Kmn]

I think the first thing to do is really encourage alternatives - don't refuse BF at the moment, but offer food and water and milk-from-cups quite often, so he's not having boobs for thirst.
And then see how you go - if there are feeds he's a bit distracted for then let them go first.
And be gradual - you do not need mastitis or anything else, so cut back over a couple of months.

[Jennifer13]

Just moving this thread to 'Weaning Support' where you might get more advice that suits your situation.