When does a baby typically self-wean? My 11 month old is rejecting me!

[DC2]

I read a lot of long-term bfing experiences on here and was really encouraged to bf for as long as possible. However, my baby seems to not want to feed any more - we were doing a first thing and last thing feed only for the last couple of months. Is this normal, to self-wean at 11 months? Is there any point in my expressing to boost supply at this stage? I am really sad for this to be the end, so if there is anything I can do I would be grateful to know.

My DS1 was like this at a year, not at all interested, but we carried on feeding and a few weeks later he was fine again.
SOme useful info here and on kellymom generally
www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/babyselfwean.html

there was a thread doing a poll as to when los self weaned just a few days ago...ages if my memory recalls correctly went from 9 months to over 3yrs..there seems to be no typical time. As to how to help prevent it I really dont know; my lo is 7 months ...I still have all this to face yet... but if the same happens to me I think I'd feel that if expressing and bottle feeding would still get breast milk into him rather than formula then I'll do it for at least one more month..but I'm a bit fixated on reaching milestones...I hope someone with experience can give you more help.

Thanks Pannacotta, it's nice to have some hope! I should also mention that I'm now terrified of biting, which has been happening a bit. Basically, the last few times we've settled down for a feed there has been little or no attempt at suckling and just a big bite. Which makes me a bit apprehensive now at feeding time. Anyone else had this?

xposted pannacotta (I'm such a slow typist)...glad you could give better advice.

My DD bit me once and just I screamed so loudly she looked up at me - so surprised! She never bit me again!

She self weaned at 9 months, and I was very upset, especially as establishing b/f was really difficult for me /her. For about a week after she first refused I just offered, but she kept refusing and in the end I didn't want to keep 'imposing' myself on her!!! Don't underestimate how emotional it is - I cried so much!

My Dh bought me beautiful ear-rings when we had finished - one ear-ring for the pregnancy and birth and one for breastfeeding. It helped a lot! They're in her birth stone.

Dd is very self directed and determined, and I'm glad I respected her decision that she had other uses for me

Thanks Floria, all advice v gratefully received - I have tried expressing along the way and did ok but not fantastically, so with that in mind I'm a bit concerned that it won't do much to boost supply.

Zazen, yes, yes - the emotional aspect is what I am trying to come to terms with. How do you deal with the rejection/the bf is now all over aspect?? I am really struggling

ds1 self weaned at 11 months. seemed unbelievable when you remembered that only 8 months before he'd been glued to the breast non-stop...ds2 (13 months)is well on the way to self weaning too - his morning and night feeds are getting smaller and smaller. i think he prefers porridge...
I don't mind as I think he will keep feeding for as long as he wants, and that's all that matters.
he's a happy little soul

i sympathise- ds1 self-weaned at 1year and 1 week which i was happy with, it was quite gentle. However, with dd2 i was also hoping to get to 1 year but she is a terrible biter - she has bitten down really really hard several times the last few feeds and saying no firmly, flicking her cheek etc have no effect- she was quite happy to see the cup after i gave up this even so i think the decision is made, even if it is a bit early for me at 10 months.