How early can I stop breastfeeding?

Question

Beau is 8.5 months old now and has been eating 3 meals a day for probably 6 weeks now and he’s so snoopy he hardly breastfeeds during the day. I tried to switch over to bottle feeding a few weeks ago because I was so touched out but he outright refuses a bottle. He still wakes up to breastfeed at least 3-4 times a night which keeps me exhausted and lately he’s so annoying to breastfeed. He’ll only latch for 30 seconds at a time and just wants to look around and snoop. I know breastmilk is supposed to be their main source of nutrition for the first year but I’m so not enjoying breastfeeding anymore. I can’t do this for much longer without losing my mind. Any advice?

Answer

Babe is old enough to be using a cup over a bottle, so I would transition to a zippy cup of some sort if they don’t want the bottle and then either pump or switch to formula. Once they are a year old they can have whole milk

Answer

Breastfeeding for the first year is recommended but it isn’t required. My son was EBF the first month and then I supplemented till month 4 and stopped BF together. My pediatrician told me it’s really the colostrum that is most important. Once your milk comes in there isn’t much difference between it and formula other than formula can’t create antibodies like women can. If you’re getting to the point that it’s no longer comfortable for you then it sounds like your body is telling you it’s time to stop. And there’s nothing wrong with that. As long as babe is fed you’re doing a great job.

Answer

Sounds like my 8.5 month old. I totally hate breastfeeding him anymore. But I sleep trained him during the night. He only wakes once for boob now. He was getting up 7-8 times a night. It was horrible. However, he still eats during the day but boy I’d love to quit. I just don’t enjoy it. And he bites my nipple and makes me bleed. He doesn’t concentrate and just is constantly on and off. I feel so guilty that I hate it since I didn’t have this issue with my first. I don’t know what to do but it totally sucks. Anyhow, hope you figure something out!!!

Answer

I’m sorry no advice but totally the same wiry my baby he latches and then if he hears the slightest noise will unlatch and I just tell him sorry buddy I don’t have time for this and session is over, he does still wake up throughout the night supper annoying but he’s my last so I’m trying just to enjoy this while it last because I know it’s only for a season, sending good vibes we will get through this 😊❤️

Answer

Normally I'd say you're welcome to switch to formula anytime but right now women are so desperate for formula babies need milk until at least a year. If you're not showing the supply it's really nice for you to not use up formula if your area is struggling 😵‍💫 I know of at least two moms near me who are freaking out right now and struggling to get any formula they can.

How early can I stop breastfeeding?

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