Originally posted to infant feeding, but wondering thought I'd put it out here...
Confused first time mum who's probably thinking too far ahead!!
My baby is 14 weeks and mostly breastfed, with a bottle of formula in the evening. I've been very lucky in that breastfeeding has mostly gone really well, a few struggles but we've powered through.
However, ideally I think I'd like to stop when he is 6 months. I feel like by then I'll want my body back and a little more freedom, plus as he gets bigger and more active I'm finding positions a bit more difficult!
However, as the 6 month mark approaches, I'm feeling really guilty because he loves breastfeeding and has been gaining weight well. I know that it's not just feeding, it's also a comfort for him.
He will take a bottle, although he can be a bit fussy with it. He also tends to take a couple of ounces, then refuse, then we'll try again a little later and he has another couple ; I assume this is because he mostly feeds on demand and maybe isn't used to taking very large quantities in one go? It's fine at the moment because we only do bottles between about 7pm and midnight and he's actually starting to sleep more through this window recently as well. But I worry when if start trying to do more bottle feeds, it could be a problem if he keeps only taking small amounts?
I'm a member of a pro breastfeeding group on Facebook and go to my local support group sometimes and they're all there feeding babies until they self wean and I just feel really guilty wanting to stop? Part of me wonders if it would be easier to just carry on and see how it goes once he's having food, but if I'm really honest with myself, 6 months BF just feels like it will be enough for me.
Am I being really really mean thinking of stopping at 6vmonths even though it is going mostly well? And does anyone have any tips for weaning off the breast, preferably gradually as I assume this will be less stressful for him?? Thanks! Xxx