Breast feeding moms- weaning at 12 months?

Question

So, I know we are still 4 months away, but I'm stressed thinking about weaning my baby at 12 months. She's ebf and I would like to start weaning around a year. I know it needs to be done gradually, but I'm just not sure how to start and how long it takes to fully wean. I'd like her to be completely off the boob by 18 months. Are middle of the night feedings the last to go? Do I start by replacing a day time feeding with a bottle and slowly add more bottles over time? Any info is appreciated!

Answer

I wouldn't stress too much - maybe instead of putting a time frame on it let them wean when they are ready?  Our babies are still quite little at 12 months.  Breastfeeding still can provide the majority of their nutrition for awhile.  Just my opinion though.  🤗

Answer

The gentle weaning process is don't offer, don't refuse. But you could start by replacing one feed around a meal time with a sippy cup of breastmilk then gradually mix that cup with whatever milk your weaning to (if you are) or go to water. Then take another feed, etc. Yes those nighttime feeds are the last to go usually. I would also try to be gentle about weaning as we need to remember that nursing is also about comfort especially related to sleep. I would introduce some kind of lovey for sleep as well to give baby another comfort crutch.

Answer

You shouldn't start until 12 months. Babies nutrition should come from that until at least a year. What's the rush? You don't HAVE to stop at one. WHO recommends until at least 2. I will also second the comment that says don't offer don't refuse. I believe children should self wean.

Answer

Currently I breastfeed him before solids & after 12 months was planning to do it the other way around, I thought that was a recommendation anyway. I think he will wean by himself that way as he loves his food.

Answer

I wasn't planning to wean any time before 2 years, but found out I'm 5 weeks pregnant. My first born will be 16 months when my second is born. I'm hoping my first born will wean himself, he's loving food, but if he's not, I'll start gently weaning at one year. I'll also have to transition him to his own bed in his own room. Makes me sad to force him to grow up so soon, but I think it will make him stronger in the long run. He's such a mama's boy!

Answer

I am planning on weaning at 1. But based on above comment I feel as if I already partially started the process naturally. I have been feeding oatmeal or attempting a fruit in the morning rather than nursing, and offering water or juice. I will nurse if he shows interest, I have always nursed on demand.  In the evening it is hit or miss. I may be able to hold off on nursing until dinner, sometimes not.

Answer

i am more worried about going back to work than weaning,  this may be my last baby.... 😢 so I don't want to rush the gun on all that. id be happy to go till 2 years.

Answer

I feel stressed about it too!

Breast feeding moms- weaning at 12 months?

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