How do I wean?

[Anonymous]

7 month old is combo fed and loves solids/baby led weaning, and I am ready/need to cut out the breastfeeding component of our feeding extravaganza we do 4x a day (he gets like 20 oz of formula a day already, so it's not providing much of his daily calories anyways). My breasts are rock hard in the morning when I wake up, so the first feed of the day is long and productive, but then I feed after morning nap and then after afternoon nap, and both of those it is like trying to breastfeed an ADHD alligator...then he gets a big bottle and is satisfied. We've already dropped before bed feedings long ago because he wasn't getting enough (gets a big bedtime bottle in its place) and he doesn't wake up to nurse at night.

Do I just drop the two post-nap feeds one at a time? How long between dropping one do I drop the next? and should I pump a bit to make sure I don't get mastitis or is that not necessary? And then how do I handle dropping the morning one, since it's actually a full feed/breasts are full of milk?

This is my second baby, but I don't remember how this went down last time.

[Anonymous]

I did one feed at a time, with a minimum of 1 week between dropping feeds to give my body time to adjust.

I dropped the nap feeds first, then the AM feed, and I kept the PM feed for another month or so just because it was a nice routine and I was sad about being done.

In your case, I'd probably drop AM nap feed first, then PM nap feed, then the first-thing AM feed.

I wouldn't pump unless you really feel uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

Dropping one feed at at time works well, and then nurse or pump for comfort. Going slowly and giving a few days between changes to adjust will be comfortable and will avoid clogged ducts or other issues. For you, I would stop nursing at naptime and pump once in the afternoon/evening. After a few days, you can skip the evening and continue to nurse (or pump) in the morning. When you are ready to drop the morning feed, pump for comfort, reducing the time each day. It will probably be a week or so from dropping the last feed before you feel like you don't need to pump any more. You can find tips online for ways to make your milk dry up more quickly, but I think taking it slow is more comfortable, and yes there is a risk of mastitis or clogged ducts if you go too quickly. Going slowly will also help you adjust to the hormonal shift. The hormonal shift is very real, so don't be surprised if you feel sad/depressed/emotional for a few weeks as you wean.

[Anonymous]

OP, "trying to breastfeed an ADHD alligator" is SUCH an amazing and relatable phrase. Thanks for the laugh and good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, "trying to breastfeed an ADHD alligator" is SUCH an amazing and relatable phrase. Thanks for the laugh and good luck.

+1... This is exactly what nursing my 8 month old feels like at times!