How to stop breast feeding

[Stillyummy]

I have a 12 week old baby, she is breast fed all day with one formula bottle just before bed.

I have to go back to work in 2 months time and do not want to be breast feeding by then. I know legally my work have to make provision for me to express but I don't want to, so please don't suggest it.

My plan was to give up a feed every 2 weeks until all feeds are replaced by bottles. Do you think this will work? Is there a better way?

Thanks :)

[WishUponAStar88]

I haven't done it so half lurking for tips as this'll be me in a couple of months. But I believe the gradual approach you've suggested is supposed to be best in terms of stopping mastitis etc. My dd will be 1 by then and mostly worried about dropping the evening feed as think she'll struggle to settle without it :(

[No1warnedme]

I did this with dc1 3 years ago at 3 months. I was prepared for the transition to take weeks, especially as I was concerned about engorgement, but it actually only took a few days. I replaced morning feeds first, but fed from the boob for a couple of mins before bottle and then my supply dropped off pretty quickly because the milk wasn't being finished and the body knows not to make as much. Had a couple of days of leaks, but no pain or discomfort from not feeding fully, and dc1 didn't mind the transition at all. Good luck.

[Stillyummy]

I am more worried about her being constipated than me being engorged. Does anyone have any tips to help with that?

[No1warnedme]

I've had great success with both prune juice and diluted brown sugar water. Tummy massage and bicycling legs help too... just incorporate it into playtime / bedtime each day. Not all ff babies suffer with constipation though... and you're likely to have those issues with weaning anyway!