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How to wean off breastfeeding at 20 months old & worry of dehydration

1 reply

Return2thebasic · 28/02/2021 14:38

So we have been bf mostly 4 times a day.
Morning feed + before afternoon nap + before night time sleep + in the middle of the night if he wakes up

I've been a bit spoiling him, I know. Still feed to sleep nearly half of the time - with curtain down and light off. Until last month, he would signal to be put down to his cot when he felt have had enough milk. I didn't mind, because even the night feed usually only lasted for about 10 minutes. But since the half term break, he became entirely attached to my breasts at bedtime and refused to come off even when they are nearly empty. Int the middle of a few nights, I stayed in his room feeding him for over an hour and he still managed to wake up and cry when I put him down. The cry lasted about 1 hour each time.

Instead of showing any sympathy, DH just plainly told me need to stop bf altogether, which he had been advocating since DS passed the 12 months mark.

I bottle fed DS1 because of problem with bf back then. So I realise that I'm frightened of the idea to wean off a 20 months old. He's too old for bottle feeding. He wouldn't drink lots from cup, even though he likes it. Since the Christmas, he's been on and off having constipation. There were like two weeks when the stools were just dry little pallets. I've been giving him diluted juice in the afternoon just to top up the fluid intake to soften his stool and the constipation still can happen occasionally if I'm not careful. With breastfeeding, I have no idea how much fluid he really takes a day. I fear once he stops bf, the dehydration would get worse and I just wouldn't have enough means to make sure he takes enough fluid.

Any suggestions please~~

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
BunnyRuddington · 28/02/2021 16:23

It's great that DH is wanting you to stop because if you want this too, I'd start with the night weaning and he needs to help Smile

Have a read of this night weaning method and if you like the sound of it, get DH to read it and agree.

As for the dehydration, if you are concerned, I'd try some high water foods like soup, broccoli, cauliflower, jelly and fruit. Also giving him a sports cup or a straw might encourage him to drink more due to the novelty. Have you tried making your own ice lollies too?

Once you've cracked the night feeds, and as DH is so willing, get him to take DS straight downstairs for breakfast instead of you feeding him.

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