Wening off the breast

[FiFi118]

Hi I have a 17 week old and have been exclusively breast feeding for all this time. we have tried to give ebm by bottle since she was about 5 weeks old once a day and although it occasionally works she is reluctant to take the bottle - it is usually hit and miss! I am going back to work in February so will need to wean her off the breast by then but would appreciate some advice on this. I was going to start to try in December with ebm and formula - will that give me enough time? any tips?

[flabbytumsquashybum]

Is it always you who tries to gives her the bottle? Just wondered if someone else might have more success when you're not around?

Other than that I don't really have any suggestions but at least your post has been bumped!

[FiFi118]

we have tried everything - me out the house, partner, mum, sister, friends!! oh well will keep perservering.

[lal123]

I vaguely remember starting dd off on breast and then sneakily (if possible!) switching to bottle half way through. Getting DP to feed her helped. Good luck

[bythepowerofgreyskull]

my friend went back to work full time when her son was 8 months and she managed feeding morning and evening with water to drink during the day...
You have loads of time, she may find that things are tense when there is a bottle but relaxed when she is on the boobie..
you may find if you relax about it then it will just work one day.
Good luck

[FiFi118]

you are probably right - I probably tense up when I give the bottle as I am worried now! will try and chill about it. thanks

[Flum]

My 8 month old would not take a bottle! She had a bits of food in the day but waited for a milk feed until I came home from work at 6.30pm. She held out on this for about 4 weeks then she did start having a bottle at home. Did her no noticeable harm. She is 4 and half now.