Seeking Advice on Weaning My One-year-old Breastfed Little Girl

When I weaned my first son I started by using only a cup during the day and only nursed at night and in the morning. When he got used to that I had a good night time routine in place: bath, story, nurse, bed. I just switched to bath, story, nurse, cup of milk and then bed. After a couple of nights of that I just dropped the nursing part and continued the routine. He was just fine with it.

I also suggest having the baby start sleeping in her crib (as someone else suggested). I have to say, though I would NEVER recommend putting a pillow next to her (as someone suggested)for fear of suffocation. She may be past the "SIDS stage", but she is still a baby and you can never be too careful as I am sure you know. You sound like a great mother and I wish you luck!

BTW, I would not suggest putting her in the crib and weaning at the same time. I would do the crib first and help her learn to self soothe. Then she may wean easier anyway.

Good Luck!

Are you having to stop breast feeding? Are there complications? Are the two of you still enjoying breast feeding? I weaned by losing one nursing session at a time. I left night time for last. I also co-slept (still do occassionally!)and I would put a pillow, or something where he couldnt smell me or the milk. He uses a binki, so I would pop the binki in his mouth. Dont know if that was the right or wrong way, but that's how I did it! Now I've gotta get rid of the binki!!! UUG! Also, I prayed a lot! I think that helped more than anything! Good luck!

Start by dropping one feeding a week. When I weaned my 11 mo girl this way, I don't think she really even noticed it. Start with the feeding that seems easiest and least stressful to go without (perhaps one at a natural mealtime where you can sub other foods). As far as stress goes, I have the feeling that if you are relaxed, positive, and joyful it will not be that stressful for her.

I would think you first may want to have her start to learn sleeping in her own crib, because she is used to the night time feeding. She may want it for awhile in her crib, but may grow out of it/ or just sleep through, which would make weaning easier. That would be my advice on starting the process. Have her sleep in her own crib.

Your baby is blessed to have a mama who believes in breastfeeding! Many don't make it it one year. As a mama of 4(and one in the pot), I would suggest breast feeding a little longer. OK, OK.. I'll get off of the soap box. Here's what I did to wean #4 @ 2years and some months. I only nursed him @ night and in the day he used a cup and ate food (his favorite nutritious meal was a smoothie with banana, mango, oats and milk (we used rice or almond).This was the least painful way to wean for us. The opposite (breast in the day, none at night) can work as well, especially if baby is sleeping next to dad instead of yummy smelling mom (for co-sleepers).
Also, remember, you are weaning off of the process as well, so go gently.
Take Care