9 mth - time for gradual weaning?

[marilyn73]

Hi,
I don't know why I can't remember what I did the first 2 times around (or more like, when).
Here's the situation.
I have a perfectly happy 9 mth old daughter.  I will be returning to work when she is 11 months old (part-time at first).
I'm breastfeeding 4 times / day, and solids are well established.
Is there any reason to drop a daytime feed, and if so, when?
Our current feeding/eating routine is:

7am - morning BF
8am - breakfast
12:00 - BF after nap
12:30 lunch
4:30 or 5:00 - BF after nap
5:30 supper.
7:15 bedtime BF

Just curious - maybe I shouldn't adjust anything at all. 

[MasynSpencerElliotte]

I'm not sure I would worry about it just yet. What type of hours will you be working when you go back?

[*Ali*]

There is no reason you should drop a feed unless you want to, no. I definitely wouldn't force dropping a feed now at only 9mo as milk should still be her main source of nutrition until 12mo. Her naps will likely change between now and then anyway and one will shorten a tad in Oreo for the 2-1 transition.

If it were me I would just wait until you go back and then get whoever is looking after her to offer a solid snack at that time, such as a yogurt.

Does she take water from a cup at mealtimes? If not I would start that a practice.

[weaver]

I agree. No need to work to drop a feed, but I'm sure she'll be fine if she needs to skip one while you're out.  Just be prepared for her to make up for it when you get home!!! (which is a nice snuggly thing to come back to)