Last night of 2009, last bf

[MiniMincemeat]

I decided a while back that I would stop breast feeding DS (now 16 months) at the end of the year. It was a rather abstract and potentially moveable (forward/back) date at the time. I was doing morning and evening feeds for a long while and for the past week have done evening only.

TBH I'm not absolutely sure I want to stop but I want to have another baby and my periods did not return for quite a while after a recent miscarriage and happened to come back immediately after I had to have a three day break from feeding DS. I know it isn't likely to have a huge impact but I think psychologically and physically it may be the right thing for me.

Also, DS has recently started hitting me when I feed him. I think he thinks he is being playfully affectionate but it is making it far less enjoyable to have to tell him off during feeds!

So, there it is, just wanted to write it down really. I've just burst into tears at the dinner table . DS offered me a kiss and a piece of orange .

I remember posting in the early days about how hard it was and nearly giving up so many times because I had real difficulties (bleeding nipples, latch problems etc). If anyone is struggling through the early days needs some encouragement then I can now say that it has been one of the most fulfulling things that I have been lucky enough to be able to do.

Thanks for listening!

Try to think of all the things you'll be able to do once you've stopped. Like let someone else put him to bed and have a little me time.

Well done for all you've done!

Congratulations and commiserations. Stopping bf can be hugely emotional - don't worry about having a bit of sob. Good luck with ttc as well.

Can I ask how you are going to do it? DS is 2 and I have managed to get down to one feed just before bed but can't imagine him stopping all together without it being really distressing. I would just let him go on but like you have had no period and want to start ttc soon.

I had a hellish start too btw so well done for getting through that - it is not easy!!!

Thanks Ladies for your supportive comments. I've just fed DS and, thankfully, it was a lovely feed - he was really tired because he missed his lunchtime nap and actually fell asleep so it was a bit like he was a baby again!

Chocolatestar We've introduced a cup of warm milk in the mornings so he's used to that now and he has also been put to bed quite a few times by DH without a bf over the past 3 months since I went back to work as I have to travel sometimes. So, tomorrow night DS will have a cup of warm milk when he has his story with DH. For the first few nights I will say goodnight downstairs, before bath time. Once he's used to not having a feed then I'll go back to putting him to bed or go and say goodnight after the story if DH is doing bathtime. I can let you know how we get on if that would help.

Congratulations on reaching 16months. You should feel very proud.

I can imagine your feeling quite emotional tonight but you've given your DS fabulous health benefits and you are now free to enjoy yourself when you want.

Happy New Year!

Well done you! 16 months is great. My ds is only 6 months so not stopping yet but dreading it already! I guess you need to focus on the positives- you can wear nice bras again, drink as much as you want, and (if you're like me) you can finally shift that last bit of weight

And, of course, focus on TTC!

I would be interested! DS can go to bed without me if I am not here but if I am here he goes mental if he doesn't get his boo boo as he calls it.

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Well, day one. Seemed to go ok.

I took a cup of warm milk up to DS while DH was reading him a story. He drank it and went straight down to sleep when DH put him in his cot!

Once this has been successful for a few days we'll introduce toothbrushing after the story but just giving him time to settle into the new way of things first.

Feeling quite proud of him and feeling better about the decision today .

I guess your DS is a little older Chocolatestar so might be more difficult. When my BIL and SIL weaned my nephew at about 22 months they started doing the bf before the story for a while so it separated it from bedtime.

Wow! Good start! Yes that is a good idea - might do that. he rarely falls asleep feeding anyway.

Yesterday I decided to only fed DC3 16 mths morning and bedtime.
It was distressing for us both everytime she turned to me for a drink and I refused.
My breasts were aching to feed her and her look of dispair made me sad.
I've decided to do this because for the last 3 weeks she finds it hilarious to pinch and twist my nipples with her hand and when she finishes a feed she sinks her teeth into my nipples and then drags her teeth all the way down my nipple and laughs as I scream.
I've tried everything to discourage her but she finds my pain entertaining.
Each time she heads for my breast I grab a cup of cows milk, rice cake, bread stick or toy.
I'm sure it'll be easier day by day.

ooh, treadmill and leonie that sounds painful!