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Weaning Help

atdavis87atdavis87 member
in Breastfeeding

I'm ready to wean my 9 month old but I'm not sure how to start.  Since I got my period back two months ago I've had to go to extreme measures to keep up my supply and I'm exhausted so we're at the end of our breastfeeding journey.  Tear :'(

She nurses 5x a day plus eats three meals.  I've already started supplementing with a bottle of formula if she wakes up during the night because I basically have to will my milk to let down at that time.  I also have about 200 oz frozen.

Should I replace one feeding a day with frozen? Or formula? Since I only nurse from one side that means whichever feeding I cut out that boob will not have been nursed on in about 9 hours (she goes 3-4 hours between sessions during the day).

My supply is going to diminish VERY quickly once I start replacing a feeding so I'm thinking within a week I'll be done.

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Re: Weaning Help

  • RynnaRynna
    My advice would be to simply stop all drastic measures, and see what happens to your supply.  Nurse as you would regularly (use frozen milk or formula at night if you are having trouble letting down), and then supplement if LO is hungry afterwards.  Even if you aren't producing *enough* milk, any milk at all is good for LO.  It's not an all or nothing kind of deal- you can continue to nurse as long as you like, regardless of whether you add formula.  However, if you choose to be finished nursing, there's nothing wrong with that either.
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  • elliekate802elliekate802
    I went through similar situation when my LO was around 9 mos.  I worried/stressed/didn't think my supply was enough.  I tried fenugreek, eating oatmeal and drinking more water.  I don't know if it really helped,...maybe it was more mental.  I swear I was going crazy waiting for the letdown, thinking something was wrong.  But, then, I decided not stress about it.  And, it worked! I never caved into formula.  We are still BF at 2 years 1 week.  As long as your child is consistent on the growth charts..I wouldn't change a thing!  Keep doing what you are doing.  You are doing fine.  And, yes with my period, I did notice LO eating more..which made me believe supply was lower..and research says your supply does take a little dip during your period but comes back up and your milk tastes different, supposedly.  Also, remember,..at 9 mos..with solid foods..the milk content fat/carb content ratios change,..the breastfeeding letdown reflex appears to feel less even though it is STILL there and the duration of breastfeeding...all changes.  The BF times gets shorter and shorter..but that is OK.  Literally,..we used to be 20 mins each side..down to say 3-5 mins on each side at 9 mos.  They learn to suck more efficiently and need less time.  Hang in there.  I am sure your supply is fine.  If you must, use your frozen stash, not formula.  Your protective antibodies are not in the shelf bought processed formula.  Plus, you did all that work!  Give your mind a break...relax. Supplement with one feed of frozen if you must, but again not necessary.  Your supply will eventually diminish by that one feed.  Hang in there, you are doing great!
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