stopping bf after 6 months

[bemmabegan]

Hi (newbie to mumsnet) just wanted some advice re. stopping bf when my ds gets to 6 months ( in two weeks)Im planning to wean her as well so thought it would be a good time to stop BF and pick up the bottle. my concerns are about preparing formula as the only time I have given her formula is when we've been out and we've used the ready made cartons. I suppose I'm concerned about making up the formula, how long you can make it up in advance? Also should I be giving it her in a trainer cup, will she be getting enough? not sure if I'm doing the right thing stopping BF... Any tips will be much appreciated.

Do you want to stop breastfeeding?

Personally I would continue breastfeeding while you are weaning, as introducing foods like gluten alongside breastfeeding has been shown to reduce intolerances. You'll want to end breastfeeding gradually anyway to avoid mastitis, swapping one breastfeed for a formula feed every few days.

This is the thing, part of me wants to give up breast feeding as i find it very tiring but the other part of me really enjoys the closeness. I suppose there is no rush to stop, perhaps I will try her on the solids first and take it from there. Thanks for your reply.

Agree with moon - suddenly stopping bf is not a good idea.

Most women who are bf at 6 mths carry on alongside solid foods and it's actually easier that way - for a start you're not changing your baby's entire diet all at once, and also it's easier than preparing bottles. Then, if they have a plan to stop bf, they sort of wind it down, and introduce a cup as they do this.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, makes sense to not change entire diet all at once.She takes occasional bottles well so if need a break can always get hubby to do that.

DS is 6 month and is now teething, I've found the BFing is the only thing that will stop him crying sometimes...I was also thinking of giving up but think I'll just carry on until he stops now.

My DD pulls away and tugs on me when I'm bf, I think her gums are sore so Ive started to put some bonjela on just before she feeds, it seems to help.