Should I Wean? - Going Back to School

Why wean totally? There are many levels of nursing, and with an older baby you may find that she's fine with a 7AM feeding, a bottle or sippy cup mid-day and nursing at night. For the last year, I nursed DD only at night before bed, so it was a very gradual tapering off. By 18 months, she was mostly nursing morning, after work and nighttime, but not always after work. I sent 6 oz for my work day and she often didn't drink them. She had a sippy of water (she did not like whole milk) for the rest of the day. I wouldn't supplement with formula unless you really think she needs it. I would give her whole milk or water in a sippy cup and see how she does. Hang in there and find the schedule that works for you. Nursing may be a way for you to feel connected to her while you are away and it can be a way to have a nice, cuddly reunion at the end of your day. OH, and if I had a day off or was home on the weekend, I nursed DD on demand and she seemed to understand it was different.

Since, you seem to not be 100% about weening. I would just wait until you start school & see how both of you adjust to your new schedules. She may decide to ween herself or be happy nursing a couple times a day, when you are available. Don't stress, it will work itself out, especially , being that she's over a year.

When my dd got to that age she was mostly nursing in the morning and before bed or naps. Theres no reason you have to go cold turkey. Any breastmilk is better than none. I would just get her used to not nursing during the time of day that you will be gone.

Let her wean herself, she'll know when to stop on her own.