Dd is 1, am cutting back bf but today just started crying about it

[yellowflowers]

Bf was v traumatic to start with - dd didn't feed properly and was sleepy. She lost 20% weight. We had to top up with formula from the beginning. But we learnt how and now she has just turned one and she has had several breast feeds a day every day of her life as well as formula and more recently cow's milk.

But I am ready to stop, or at least cut back to bed time only. Not least because I want to ttc and my periods are not back yet.

So why do I feel so upset about stopping? I think it's because it was such an achievement to do it at all. And also maybe my periods are gearing up to come back as I cut down and it's pmt. But any advice/handholding welcome...

I think it's quite normal to feel like this. It sounds like you've done well and should be proud you've stuck at it for so long.
Just cut out one feed at a time and take it gently for both of you.

hi yellow. yep, agree with viewof that it's a well done for getting this far, especially with a difficult start.

i've just stopped BFing. DS is 7.5months. started dropping feeds at 6.5months doing one a week, and friday was his last BF. i was a bit sad that it was his last time, but i hope we'll have another DC, so am just thinking that it probably won't be the last time i'll BF at all.

i've read that stopping BFing triggers a whole new set of hormonal changes off (prob the same ones that kickstart your periods) and that we get another round of the 'baby blues'. you're right it was an achievement for you to BF at all, and especially this far, but don't worry about feeling upset - i think it's a hormonal thing that you (sadly) have little control over.

viewof is right - just take it slow cutting out one feed at a time. i've found that my breasts have been sore for around 24hrs after stopping each feed, but then they settle down and any engorgement goes. taking a bit longer this time though, as i've dropped all feeds since friday. advice i had was to wear a sports bra so your breasts don't have much chance to fill up again IYSWIM.

good luck...