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

[*Kara*]

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

I have to say, even though I didn't make it through the trenches of the early BF days, it does surprise me that it is that low.

[Erin M]

Excellent job Katherine!
Here with a hand when you need it. 

[*Ali*]

Well done Katherine

[Fiver]

I have to say, even though I didn't make it through the trenches of the early BF days, it does surprise me that it is that low.

Sadly, it actually surprised me that it was that high.  Certainly in the UK there seems to be an assumption that after 6m you'll move to formula feeding (or from certain quarters, anyway - my HV was surprised I was still BF DD when she visited us at around 9m)

[*Ali*]

Oh don't even get me started on HV's opinions on BFing Amanda. Some of you already now of my experience with the HV who told me at Colby's 1yr check that he "should" be on cows milk. I never did write that letter of complaint. But that's for another thread.

I have certainly come across many people who believe that the WHO's rec for EBF to 6mo is actually a rec to stop BFing at 6mo. It's scary how people get their wires crossed over such big issues.

Anyway Katherine y ou have done great. I'm happy you hear you wear able to enjoy another feed even if it turns out to be the last.

[*Kara*]

I have to say, even though I didn't make it through the trenches of the early BF days, it does surprise me that it is that low.

Sadly, it actually surprised me that it was that high.  Certainly in the UK there seems to be an assumption that after 6m you'll move to formula feeding (or from certain quarters, anyway - my HV was surprised I was still BF DD when she visited us at around 9m)

So odd how things can be so different around the world - here, it's common to still BF to a year if you started out that way... extended BFing is also quite common to 2 years though you don't see it in public much (I would think most are BT BFing)...

[*happy*]

you don't see any public BFing here....you really don't....makes it all so much more "taboo".....xx

[ZacsMumme]

Katherine - well done on making a year has J wanted a bf again since your last post?
I bf Z for 18 mths and was sad but content when our journey was over.

[jessmum46]

She didn't seem that bothered about a feed again the last two days, though fed for a few mins, so I didn't offer this morning.......and she didn't ask.  Feeling a bit emotional    but happy that she's happy.  I actually had a sippy of cows milk out and she went for that herself and had an oz or two.  So I'm guessing we really are at the end now.  Thanks everyone for the support

[becj86]

Hugs xx I'm sure I'll be emotional when we get there too.

[Fiver]

*hugs*  You've done so well (and so has she)

[*happy*]

hugs hun....so nice for you though that she's not upset etc with the weaning....i think (having watched my sister wean & my nephew v upset) that it's so wonderful for the LOs if they can self-wean....still hard on the mammies though...big hugs hun....you're done *such* an amazing job.xxx

[*Kara*]

Hugs Kathryn!  As long as J is happy, the world is a good place

[Erin M]

((hugs))