We are fast approaching Maddie's first birthday and I am keen to wind down the BFing as I am heading back to work (and quite frankly I've done a year, I feel like a champ). But no-one would give me a straight answer on how to stop. Until now - Via my HV (Yes, I have found a good one).
Maddie was on 4 feeds a day. Straight away she told me to drop that to 3. First thing in the morning/ Mid afternoon / Before bed. I dropped it the next day and Maddie didn't even notice!!
She also told me Maddie did not need feeding in the night and recommended that rather than go cold turkey, I just offer one boob, then reduce the time on that boob.... Well, 2 nights later she stopped waking for milk... So the drop to 1 boob seemed to do the trick.
I was then advised to slowly reduce feeds (at a pace I felt comfortable) so that by 1, she is on 2 feeds a day - first thing and last thing. We're still at 3, I am going to start that in August.
Next lose the morning feed, offer water/alternative milk and possibly move breakfast a little earlier.
Finally the evening feed... She said I might want to replace this with warm milk so it is still a comforting drink.
She also suggested encourage Maddie to drink from an open cup, and to buy a special milk cup so she knew what was coming when.
I guess the most important thing she said, that resonated, was I have been at Maddie's demand all year. This process if about me taking back control of my body. Maddie will not starve, I have provided everything (and continue to do so) but it was important not to feel guilty and to see this as a teeny tiny step towards independence and be proud of myself and my little girl.
HTH anyone was curious. I strongly feel no-one should stop before they are ready
Maddie was on 4 feeds a day. Straight away she told me to drop that to 3. First thing in the morning/ Mid afternoon / Before bed. I dropped it the next day and Maddie didn't even notice!!
She also told me Maddie did not need feeding in the night and recommended that rather than go cold turkey, I just offer one boob, then reduce the time on that boob.... Well, 2 nights later she stopped waking for milk... So the drop to 1 boob seemed to do the trick.
I was then advised to slowly reduce feeds (at a pace I felt comfortable) so that by 1, she is on 2 feeds a day - first thing and last thing. We're still at 3, I am going to start that in August.
Next lose the morning feed, offer water/alternative milk and possibly move breakfast a little earlier.
Finally the evening feed... She said I might want to replace this with warm milk so it is still a comforting drink.
She also suggested encourage Maddie to drink from an open cup, and to buy a special milk cup so she knew what was coming when.
I guess the most important thing she said, that resonated, was I have been at Maddie's demand all year. This process if about me taking back control of my body. Maddie will not starve, I have provided everything (and continue to do so) but it was important not to feel guilty and to see this as a teeny tiny step towards independence and be proud of myself and my little girl.
HTH anyone was curious. I strongly feel no-one should stop before they are ready
I'm down to one feed a day, I did it gradual and slowly, so now just on the morning feed. 
