To want to stop breastfeeding

[muvaa]

I'm a FTM and have a 4.5 month old and exclusively breastfeed. He won't take a bottle and I just want my life back. I can't go anywhere without him and I want to do things like go to the gym and go out with my girls every now and then. His dad wants to spend more time with him too so I'd like advice on how we can transition to bottle feeds instead of breast.He's also showing signs of readiness for purées

@KatieKat88

www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning/ready-or-not/ I'm going off NHS advice which begs to differ.

NHS website advice is bog standard. HVs and pediatricians will advice very differently according to the needs of the child; and generally breastfed babies (as they tend to have a higher level of gut health) can wean a little earlier on purees if they genuinely show signs that they’re ready as they have better neck control. Premie babies and those who have allergies (or history of food allergies in the family) are also encouraged to wean earlier sometimes.

@Ozanj I'm so glad you agree with my first post- that it should be around 6 months unless advised by a medical professional.

You are definitely NBU - breastfeeding is so very hard and demanding.

I just wanted to be honest and say both of mine have never accepted a bottle or a dummy. I wasted a lot of money trying. Some people do have success feeding with a cup too for bottle refuses.

My youngest has just gone 9 months and I am leaving him tomorrow for the first time for 3 hours. We are at the stage now where he will be fine for a few hours and DH can offer him food and water if needed.

I've had two clingy babies and it's hard to leave them when they solely relay on you, but it really isn't forever, although it can feel like forever at the time.

Good luck. I hope baby does take a bottle for you 🤞