My DS needs to be weaned off the breast by early may, he'll be 11 months old by then (off on first holiday with DH!).
He has never accepted the bottle but does drink water from a cup at mealtimes. My GP says it's fine to go straight to the cup and bypassing the bottle at this age.
Just how do you start the weaning? Right now I feed him on demand. I suppose I can't just decide one day to not give him any breast anymore because we'd both go crazy. How gradual does it need to be? Over how many day/weeks? Is there a best position i.e. perhaps not in my arms as it will make him want to go back to the breast?
Basically I need to make this the least traumatic for mum and baby, I am very sad to have to do this, I love BFing, and I am afraid he might feel my lack of conviction...
I know he'll be tugging at my shirt and I can't bear the thought of it
He still feeds once or twice at night so am really worried about that one. DH is really stressed at work and can't handle a crying baby at night right now.
How much milk does a baby this age need? Formula or cow? Could I switch him straight to water with just more solids?
Can a baby drink as much in one go from a cup as from breast or bottle? I am asking because I've never seen my DS drink more than 4/5 gulps so I wonder if he can take the amount he needs from a cup...
Anyway, thanks for your help! (and sorry for a long post)