any tips on how to (gradually) stop BF my 11 month old

[skidaddle]

I want to stop at 12 months I think. Partly because I think I just do want to stop now and partly because i have a new job starting in January which means I will be away for 2 night a week ( another issue entirely).. atm DS feeds a lot - maybe 5-6 times in the day and 2-3 times at night/ If I am not around he has a lot fewer feeds (EBM) - maybe just one during the day plus feeds from me in the morning and evening.

I often feed him to sleep and feed him for comfort and I am worried about how stopping might affect him emotionally. If I didn't have this new job, I would probably continue feeding for a bit longer but given that I will be stopping in the next month or two - any advice on how to do it gently and especially how to deal with the feeding to sleep and feeding for comfort issues.

Thanks

bump - can anyone help?

I'm in a similar position with my nearly 11 month old and feed about as often as you. She's my third child but I've never breastfed this long before (went onto formula at 4 months with first two children).

I'm also planning to (mostly) stop breastfeeding at around one year (the teeth are making it a bit unpleasant sometimes). At the moment, I'm giving her warmed cows' milk with meals in a cup to get her used to the flavour and using a cup. She won't drink it at all if it's straight out of the fridge, but will drink a little bit if it's warm. When she gets to a year, I'll probably offer water instead of breastfeeding in the night. I have no idea if it will work, but that's what I'm doing.

I don't have any advice on weaning as I haven't done it myself yet, but I just wanted to say that you could carry on if you wanted to, even with the job.
he'll be fine, as will your supply, even if you're away 2 nights a week

hi mungarra - good to know someone else is in the same boat. That's a good idea to start giving a bit of cow's milk now. I might try offering water at night but I am pretty sure he will not be impressed. Maybe if DH offers it will go down a bit better. I am so exhausted with night wakings atm I could really do with a break. I also have problems with teeth - it's what made me start thinking about stopping

thisisyesterday - do you think I could carry on even though I'm away? Would I need to express or do you think I could just feed 5 evenings a week instad of 7? That's a really nice thought.

anyone else got any tips for me?

Hi Skid {waves}
Am in similar situation with Lil she still feeds bedtime and morning and sometimes at night - I tend not to feed her in the day as I am at work 3 days a week and she happily takes a bottle but sometimes I will when I am home for comfort or to get her to sleep - she obviously doesnt need boob to sleep as she is fine with someone else putting her to bed or for a nap!
I am also thinking of stopping but TBh as still quite enjoying it as it is the only time she stays still long enough for a cuddle.....and saves the hassle of getting a bottle at bedtime and early morning
As for supply I actually think you will be fine if you dont feed him 2 nights a week - sometimes if I am going out or if H is around I might miss a feed or 2 - my supply seems to adjust up and down quite happily and if she does feed in day there doesnt seem to be a problem - you might get a bit full but if you wanted to I think you could prob manage to continue

thanks macdoodle
that is really helpful. i think I will aim to cut down to morning and night feeds only once he is 12 months (and he can have cow's milk during the day) and then missing one night should be a big deal. atm I couldn't possibly not express at work as I would be leaking everywhere but if I gradually reduce feeds hopefully this will die down quite quickly.

Like you I am very happy still feeding him and really enjoy the moring and nighttime feeds so maybe I will carry on a bit longer. I know I will miss it when I do stop so might as well enjoy it for a while more