I think our BF journey is coming to an end

[jessmum46]

J turns one in four days time.  We've been very gradually reducing the number of feeds over the last few weeks and are now down to one in the morning.  The last couple of days she's not even been that bothered about that one - in fact she was annoyed I took her away from her toys this morning!  She's been feeding perhaps for 3-4 mins then pulling off and signing 'enough', then wanting to play. 

I guess I'm happy.....I thought it was going to be so hard stopping BF but in fact I think I'm going to be more bothered than she is.  My goal was always 12 months and I'm so happy we've made it - I saw the other day less than 1% of mums do - is that right?  I've loved BF - its such a special bond that nobody else can really understand.  Anyway I'm planning on offering until her birthday morning then taking a 'don't offer, don't refuse' approach from then on.  I think I need to set a day like that so I can celebrate the end of our journey, and then any more is a bonus

So I guess I just wanted some hands to hold for the next few days, and also to encourage anyone who is worried about how to wean that it does get easier as they get older.  I never thought two months ago that we'd be at this point, but we are, and I can honestly say it has bothered me more than her, though I do believe that now is the right time for us to stop. 

If anyone wants to pm me about how we reduced feeds and stopped the BT feed etc the please do

[*happy*]

I think I'm going to be more bothered than she is. 

this was totally me....i was so upset at the thoughts of stopping....although i was worse in the days leading up to it than on the actual day itself, iykwim!you're right though-it's such a special bond & i'm so glad i did it. huge huge huge pat on the back to you for reaching your goal.here holding your hand if you need it.xxx

[amayzie]

Great news Katherine!! I remember your posts a couple of months ago- it's so nice to see you comfortable ith your decision! Great work getting so far along!

[eva026]

I saw the other day less than 1% of mums do - is that right?

Wow I am so surprised, big pat on the back !!

[Fiver]

According to UK statistics from 2010 (available here - http://www.ic.nhs.uk/article/2021/Website-Search?productid=9569&q=national+infant+feeding+survey&sort=Relevance&size=10&page=1&area=both#top), only 1% of mothers who have exclusively fed from birth are still doing so at 6 months let alone 12 months, so you've done a grand job, Katherine

[Shiv52]

Lots of love. One year is amazing!

[cuckoochick]

Well done on getting to 1 year!!! I fed DD until she was 18mos and even now I often get the urge to put her to the breast to nurse so I hear you on your emotional attachment to it. It was just this morning that I actually felt excited about BFIng my next LO which given all the initial difficulties I had surprised me totally!

Hugs Katherine as you go through this next chapter!

[becj86]

Holding hands, we've dropped L's feeds to just BT and night if he so requires over the holiday break and its going well. He's pretty attached to that BT feed though, so it will probably stick around a little longer.

Congrats on making it to 12 months!

[nossi]

Katherine - This is exactly how I felt when my DS was a year old and decided to stop on his own!  I could have written your post.  I always thought I'd be the one to end it, but he literally woke up one morning and decided he didn't want to BF anymore.  I thought I'd be a bit relieved, but I surprised myself by being a bit sad about the relationship ending.  My mixed feelings weren't what I anticipated.  But it only took a matter of weeks to adjust.  Sending you lots of hugs and good thoughts   I hope it goes well for you. 

The morning and BT were the last to go for us too.  I just gave him a bottle for both and that was that - he didn't mind.  Winding down my supply was another story.  It took weeks of pumping less and less to finally feel comfortable.  Even when I thought I had no milk left, I'd start to feel full and uncomfortable by the end of the day.  Probably because he stopped so abruptly.  Good luck!

[*Kara*]

According to UK statistics from 2010 (available here - http://www.ic.nhs.uk/article/2021/Website-Search?productid=9569&q=national+infant+feeding+survey&sort=Relevance&size=10&page=1&area=both#top), only 1% of mothers who have exclusively fed from birth are still doing so at 6 months let alone 12 months, so you've done a grand job, Katherine

That's actually for exclusive BFing... so no solids  

Here is the actual info for those still BFing with or without solids:  The prevalence of breastfeeding fell from 81% at birth to 69% at one week, and to 55% at six weeks. At six months, just over a third of mothers (34%) were still breastfeeding.

Either way - good for you Katherine!!!

[eva026]

Here is the actual info for those still BFing with or without solids:  The prevalence of breastfeeding fell from 81% at birth to 69% at one week, and to 55% at six weeks. At six months, just over a third of mothers (34%) were still breastfeeding.

Still not very many make it to 6 months, so proud of all of us:))

[debvn243]

Its nice to hear so many of you saying that you'll be sad to give it up, we are just beginning our BF journey and so want to make it to a year but this bit at the start is very very difficult.

Lovely to read that it can be done and enjoyed. 

[jessmum46]

Awww thanks everyone   was funny - this morning she really wanted a feed but that's perhaps because we brought her into our bedroom instead of taking her straight downstairs as normal.  But it was lovely - I enjoyed my cuddles!

[*Kara*]

Awww!  Maybe it was just a blip and she isn't ready to wean?

[Fiver]

That's actually for exclusive BFing... so no solids

And UK recs are that solids are introduced at some point after 6m. 

And you're part of around 23% who continue to be BF at 9m or thereabouts, Katherine