Quick question about how long supply remains after stopping bf (dd 14mo)

[ThePetiteMummy]

So dd is now 14 months, and just has one breastfeed before bed. Since she started walking, she's getting very tired, and will usually fall asleep while I'm reading her a story before bed. My usual routine is to then feed her after that, which lately has been a dream feed. She absolutely refuses to drink cow's milk or formula, so if I stop bf, that'll be it.

A couple of times lately dh or my mum have put her to bed before I've got home from work (just part time), so I haven't woken her to feed when I've got in, I've just fed her as usual the next evening, and she's been fine with that. I've been thinking about stopping for a little while now, and am thinking now might be a good time, as she doesn't seem too bothered to do it any more, she has a good intake of dairy, and is maintaining her weight well on her centile line.

So my question is, if I stop, then change my mind, how soon will I lose supply? A friend tells me she still has milk months after stopping bf, but her dd was much younger at the time, so don't know if that makes a difference.

Also, will I need to attempt to replace this bf with something? My feeling is she's not taking much any more anyway. And I'm thinking maybe better to stop now, before she's too aware of what's happening and it gets more upsetting for both of us.

TIA.

[mrsravelstein]

dd is 16 months, i stopped about 8 weeks ago, and i'm still leaking a bit most days... i don't know how easy it would be to get it back to full speed though, because she is already so used to guzzling her milk from a cup instead...

[ThePetiteMummy]

Lucky you getting her to drink milk! Can I ask how many bf you were giving before you stopped? I think in reality I prob wouldn't go back if I stopped, but just trying to make myself feel better!

[mrsravelstein]

hmmm, i was doing 2 a day, and then finally managed to persuade her onto the milk (she totally refused all formula/bottles of expressed milk etc) by giving her a cup of it just before bedtime, but then still b/f her afterwards. first few days she only had a few sips but after about a week she started drinking more. then after about 2 weeks, she was drinking the whole bottle, so i just stopped completely. she now has a cup of (goat, doesn't like cow) milk morning and night.

[ThePetiteMummy]

Thanks MrsRavelStein, that's really helpful! Does goat's milk taste different then? Never even thought of trying that. On the few occasions I've tried to give her cow's milk, she spits it straight out as soon as she realises it's not water in the cup as she was expecting. Mind you, I have heard from people on here that once they stop bf completely, sometimes reluctant milk drinkers will suddenly drink it.

[countrymum2]

If she is weaning herself off the breast then I would say that you should let it come to a natural end.I am sure she has teeth that she will use if she isnt interested any more!

[ThePetiteMummy]

Thanks Countrymum2, do you mean she might soon refuse this feed herself? The thing is, she's actually already asleep lately when she's having it, so I'm not sure how aware she is. She has 8 teeth now, but has never bitten! I'd like it to stop naturally, but I'm just not sure it will.

[mrsravelstein]

goats milk does taste different yes - both my younger ones (both formula refusers) have it - seems to be much easier to digest too

[ThePetiteMummy]

Thanks for that, I think I'll give it a go. I read up a bit on goat's milk after your previous post, and I was amazed that worldwide more people drink it than cow's! It also seems to have a lot of health benefits.