i want to stop bfing... I think... eventually... but i am not sure how and when to go about it

[beforesunrise]

i am feeling so confused i don't even know how to start writing this.

dd2 is 24 weeks and breastfed. no solids yet (though i think i have to start!). she gets the occasional bottle of formula but is not too keen on it or ebm (which is why i give her formula, not worth the hassle of expressing if she'll only take 2oz).

i have to go back to work in 3 months, whcih i know is ages away but i am a planner and i need to have a plan. i want to have stopped by then, partly because i don't want to feed when i am back at work, and partly because i am too scared she'll never stop (this btw is not a judgement in ANY WAY on extended bfers, in fact i admire you all enormously, it is just not what i want for ME).

the thing is... what do i do? do i start to say, right, one bottle a day at a set time (she feeds at quite regular times), and slowly slowly slowly increase the bottles and decrease the boobs? but if (like today) she only takes 2oz of bottle, do i then top up with boob or leave it? and how does the weaning from boob/introducing solids thing interact?

i don't know if this all makes sense- i am guessing not. but i guess i woudl love to hear from anyone who has any experience of weaning at around 8months so i can just relax for now, continue to enjoy bfeeding for as long as i can, and then wean a month before going back to work...

thanks in advance

i would go with what you have said - top up the 2oz etc but not immediately after it, so there isn't the link of don't drink = breast.

I would like to put a disclaimer though as I know nothing

I mix fed DD from about 6 weeks, and she opted for bottles from 12 weeks.

DS I b/f til 12 months and then he went to cow's milk easily.

I think your doing the right thing, it takes a little time so dont rush yourselves. Also persevere with the bottles, mine took a while to get used to them. If she seems hungry still after a small feed try introducing some solids, i found baby rice was a good starter. Thats also another thing that may take a little time to get used to. I enjoyed every minute of BFing and took a while to get used to not doing it, felt quite sad to be honest but soon passed and was just pleased that I fed for so long. You should be proud of yourself for even giving it a go, many women dont

Hi, I'm in the same dilemma! Back to work in 2 months so need to gradually wean 7 month old DD off b/feeding and onto formula for her daytime feeds. She's weaned, and will happily drink from a botle or cup, which makes it easier. I'm planning to start with a bottle of formula a day from today for about a month, and then introduce a second daily bottle. It's best to stick with formula at a set time so your body is used to not producing milk at that time. Should be fine to top up formula feed with b/feeding for a while if necessary but try not to let it go on for too long as your DC will expect that. Good luck and congrats for persevering with b/feeding for so long, Frances