Hun, I am in a very big rush, so I apologise for my seeming lack of sympathy
Firstly, the end may not be here yet, so hang on in there .
Secondly, can I suggest, that if you feel the need to give her a top up of some kind, that you don't give it to her in a bottle? The ease of drinking milk from a bottle, which is somewhat similar to a breast (although not really, if that makes sense) may be contributing to her fussiness at the breast.
I think at Nakita's age you don't need to be thinking so much in terms of feeds - when she has them, how much, replacing them if she's not near your breasts etc etc. She is more than capable of telling you what she wants now, and it needn't necessarily be feeds at the same time each day. Of course, it might be, she might just want a feed at night, and a feed in the morning, plenty of toddlers do that. I understand you still want to give milk as well as BM, but you don't have to be too strict about when IYKWIM? (Also, have you looked into other calcium rich foods other than dairy? You might feel better if you know she's getting it from a variety of sources). When she's cried after a feed can you give her something to eat? Or something small beforehand? TBH, at her age, I don't think she really *needs* to be 'topped up' with milk. Of course, if you want to, and she's happy with it then that's fine . Just offering an alternative.
I know it's a really hard transition to make. We're so used to being more in control when they're babies, but as our kids get older and more active, they are BUSY! And so much more independent . This might just be an adjustment period for you two, I don't necessarily think it's the end of breastfeeding for you hun
There is no doubt you are well within your rights to stop breastfeeding if you want to - you have breastfed long and well, and have worked hard to overcome the challenges you faced. But, it's not necessarily over! Your baby really doesn't need formula at this age. She needs good wholesome food and your milk. At this age many babies quite enjoy a cup of cow's milk before bed. If you introduce/get too reliant on bottles you just need to wean them off that in the future - and sooner rather than later - so you get to do double the weaning. Bitig is difficult - but usually a very shortlived problem, once they realise it's not a joke and mum is serious when she says "no'
Many mothers find their babies are a little unsettled with feeding around 12mnths - hang in there - it changes! You could have many more months of the breastfeeding roller-coaster - btw, the ride doesn't stop when you stop breastfeeding! Breast or bottlefeeding, there are always ups and downs - it's just life with young children!
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. This might just be an adjustment period for you two, I don't necessarily think it's the end of breastfeeding for you hun
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