How old was your child when you started weaning?
13 months
How long did it take to completely wean?
1-2 weeks
Was weaning decided by you or child-led? Explain...
I decided with my doctor's approval
Is this the first child you've weaned?
Yes
The Best and Worst Parts of Weaning from Breastfeeding
It went really easy, so there were no hard parts. The best part was that it went so fast and she sleeps better through the night now. She's such a wonderful baby which may be why she weaned so easily. But, you know, they'll adjust regardless. And once you give them chocolate and strawberry milk, they'll never look back!!
Here's How We Did It
I planned ahead with the night feeding and started reading a book to her before nursing her. Then, I started with the morning feeding; after getting her out of bed, I'd talk to her and hold her, sometimes in the glider. Then I'd give her a cup of milk, and she didn't hesitate! The before-nap feedings were next; I was worried since I'm the one that puts her down to sleep every time, but I've always played a CD of instrumental music when I put her down for a nap. Again, she did beautifully. I enlisted my husband's help, though, with putting her down at night, and had him follow my same routine. He read her a book or two, then sang to her, and then held her until he knew she was calmed and ready for bed.
Sure she fussed a little, but nothing like we expected. She was usually asleep within minutes. Prior to the weaning she would wake once or twice during the night; after, when she awoke during the night I just didn't go in there. Once or twice I had to send my husband in there (somehow he always sleeps through her crying ... HOW??), and he would comfort her. But she stopped within a week and has been sleeping soundly through the night ever since.
Tips and Tricks
- Definitely get help from your husband
- Talk to your doctor first
- Before you replace a feed, set up a new routine in advance and then go for it
- It will take longer if your child is nursing a lot since you're replacing more feeds and should take them one at a time
- Replace day feeds with cups
