From boob to cow's milk?

[mistressploppy]

DS is 9mo and breastfed, which I'd like to continue 'til he's one and can have 'normal' milk - ie bypass formula.

How does this work? Should I start giving full fat milk in a beaker once he's one and wait for him to drop feeds by 'don't offer, don't refuse' type method?

What have others done?

(also posted in Breastfeeding)

I BF my DCs to 13 months and 14 months respectively and then weaned them both onto cow's milk.

Personally, I started offering beakers of cow's milk at 12 months to get them used to the taste, drinking from a beaker etc.
Then when I wanted to start weaning I started to reduce the feeds one at a time.
I started with the night feeds so that they slept through.
Then I cut out the middle of the day feeds. I did this by replacing them according to the reason for the feed. If they were hungry I offered a snack. If they were thirsty I offered cow's milk or water. If they were tired or needed mummy time I offered a cuddle. If they were bored I distracted them with a game or book. etc etc.

The last feeds I cut out were the early morning and last one at night.
The early morning wasn't too hard because I gave a cup of cow's milk and a cuddle, which were quickly followed by breakfast.

The evening feed was the last.
I replaced it with a cup of milk and a cuddle.

I took my time and reduced the feeds over a few weeks. This meant it was less stressful all round and I had less engorgement as my milk supply reduced slowly.
I could have done it all quicker if necessary.

I honestly found that once the children realised they didn't actually need BF any more, they didn't want it. Then they didn't mind weaning.
I'm sure other people use different methods, but this worked well for me.
Good luck.

That's brilliant and exactly what I was hoping for, Ruth - thank you so much

You're very welcome!
I'm glad to be of assistance.