Weaning from bf during the day - finding it hard please help

[JustLetMeSleep]

My DD is ten months old. In two months I'll start back at work two days a week, and she will be settling in with the cm a few hours a week in a month. I've been giving her formula in a cup for day feeds during the time I'll be away from her for the last few days and then feeding her at bedtime and in the night. I find that by the end of the day my boobs are pretty uncomfortable, but not painful - will that settle down?

And I am finding it quite hard emotionally. She's just about to crawl and wanting to be walked all the time, very whingey and frustrated, and often makes a dive for my chest area when tired or unhappy. I feel so guilty for withholding bf from her, even though I know it will make settling at the cm easier etc. I constantly think she's hungry (even though she eats a lot of food now).

It's just harder than I thought it would be for lots of reasons. I don't like to be forcibly weaning her, but it has to happen.

[ExBrightonBell]

You know it doesn't have to happen, you don't have to give formula or withhold bfeeds.

If your DD will be 12 months when she is at the CM for 2 days she will be absolutely able to go for the day with food and water/cows milk. My ds was 11 months exactly when he started nursery for 3 days a week. I bfed him in the morning and when we got back from nursery and then as normal in the evening. On non-nursery days I fed him on demand as usual which was fine. They adapt really well to different situations and the CM should be able to comfort your DD without the bfeeds.

[poocatcherchampion]

agree - I went back to work 3 days a week when dd1 was 1. I just fed her when I got home - prepare to be lept upon! she has never had formula or any regular milk in a cup. we usually offer it at breakfast and if she asks at other times.

it won't be a trouble for her as she won't ask someone else for it; it will just be a nice thing for you two when you get home.

[JustLetMeSleep]

Thank you. I know I could do that, but I worry about whether it would make things harder for her. Tbh I'd like to wean her completely really, I have various post natal health problems that would probably improve. But I find it hard to see her so upset all the time and think it's to do with the bfing. Probably just the crawling. Did you not find it uncomfortable at work if you fed the other days?

[EmmaLL25]

I was trying to drop day feeds for formula ahead of nursery start but periods if ill health for LO meant I just kept bf.

On days I've been away from LO he'll sometimes take formula from a beaker, other days not. He only ever takes a few oz though. He drinks water and eats and is fine. He'll just have a big feed when I get in.

So in short term your LO will be ok but that doesn't help with longer term weaning. Perhaps try posting in the breastfeeding boards for good advice!