Stopping breastfeeding

[Kaye03]

My dd is 9 months, she is my first baby. Ive decided on planning to stop bf. I cant help but feel guilty about this, any advice?

Why do you feel guilty? Nine months is amazing. You'll have to move over to formula for the next three months though, until she's 1.

You absolutely shouldn’t feel guilty as 9 months is amazing - but I also completely understand. I stopped BF DS at 9 months and felt sad but got over it quickly. I’m now about to stop BF DD at 12 months and I feel very sad about it (my last baby). It’s missing that time just the two of you - of course - and nothing feels quite like feeding your baby - but I think hormones have a lot to do with it too & once they clear it becomes less emotional.

If you’re ready, you’re ready - be proud of what you have achieved as it’s certainly not easy. Once you have stopped life will move on to the next stage quickly enough!

I felt guilty with both of mine too even though they self weaned! So don't worry it's normal to feel a bit bad. Definitely stop slowly. Nothing hurts more that several blocked ducts. Start by cutting out one feed at a time. Although he'll still need formula so just swap.

Thank you both of you, do i stop completely or start of by dropping one feed? She sleeps through the night now.

Drop feeds one by one and give your boobs a few days to adjust in between. I found it easiest to swap mid morning feed for a bottle or snack first, then mid afternoon about 4 days later. Then I started getting straight up for bottle/breakfast in the morning instead of breastfeeding in bed (this was the worst one, missed my lie in!) then bedtime feed last.

9 months is great! I would drop a feed at a time as if you suddenly stop you’ll likely become engorged.
I would drop a feed for a few days before dropping the next one to give my body time to adjust in between

I was told i need to speak to GP or health care advisor, before i start. Is this true?

Absolutely nothing to feel guilty about, 9 months is great.
Drop feeds gradually rather than go cold turkey to give your boobs a chance to adjust and your DD’s tummy a chance to get used to having formula.
I’d say you only need to involve HV if you have worries about weight or something otherwise choose a formula and start from there.

Your GP is unlikely to know anything about breastfeeding.
It's up to you how you feed your baby but maybe see you HV if you want some reassurance?

Thank u everyone for your advice, appreciate it!