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Infant feeding

He's self-weaning - help!

6 replies

BlackMaryJanes · 20/02/2013 20:12

Is it normal for a baby to self-wean from the breast at 14 months? :( This wasn't what I had in mind.

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Piemother · 20/02/2013 22:24

Yes very. Dd1 self weaned at 12 months she just wasn't interested. One of her little mates was the same at 15 months - they moved house and she just seemed to forget instantly about the boob.

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exexpat · 20/02/2013 22:32

DD did at 13 months. I'd turfed DS off at 15 months so wasn't too bothered about her turning her nose up a little early, but I have heard of people who battle through it - try googling 'nursing strike' if you want to try and make him change his mind.

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BlackMaryJanes · 21/02/2013 10:30

I thought it was very unusual to wean this early? I don't have any issues if this is genuinely what he wants, but the WHO minimum is 2 years, so surely 14 months is not natural?

He arches his back and cries when I try to put him on the breast, but is more than happy to slurp at his sisters cup and get his fluids that way (obviously I try to stop this).

I fear I'm going to end up with mastitis as he refused his feed last night, and again this morning. My breasts are very sore.

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WoTmania · 21/02/2013 13:02

It is unusual but not unheard of. Is it a gradual decreasing or has he suddenly stopped? Sometimes when babies over a year go on nursing strike people think it's self-weaning.

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Indith · 21/02/2013 13:07

self weaning us usually a gradual reduction until they stop. it is unusual at that age but not unheard of. my eldest did. he dropped feeds bit by bit til it had been a couple of weeks since his last feed. a sudden refusal is a strike, often caused by teething or a cold and you can get through it and keep feeding.