My baby wants to stop breastfeeding, but I don't.... It's breaking my heart! Wha

1. 48

   r45853posted 14 years ago

   My baby wants to stop breastfeeding, but I don't.... It's breaking my heart! What to do??? I would
   
   Iove to hear your thoughts on this topic, Lela.

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2. 72

   sofsposted 14 years ago

   A baby does not stop breast feeding on its own unless there isn't any flow. Please check this first. Have you started bottle feeding,? sometimes babies do find it easier to drink out of bottles as the flow is faster and easier. Inverted nipples could be another cause. This can also be helped. Check all these out first you may have your answer or check with your baby's pediatrician.

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3. 70

   snagerriesposted 14 years ago

   Many children cry when they wake up in the middle of the night. Usually it is the mother who tries to sooth the baby back to sleep. Unfortunately, this soothing process can mean breastfeeding the child. It might be better if the baby's father, or some other person, who the child feels secure with, takes care of her. Many mothers will instinctively go to their child if the child is crying, so it might also be a good idea to try to stay out of earshot. The child may take quite some time with this new regime but perseverance is the key. Eventually, when the child has been weaned off these nighttime feeds, the mother can go back to settling the back at night.
   
   It is also important to take care of your breasts when you are planning to stop breastfeeding. Any distress or pain felt by the mother will be picked up by the child who will then also feel upset, thus aggravating an already delicate situation. By gradual reduction of breastfeeding you should help ease engorgement of your breasts. Your milk supply should gradually decrease. If it doesn't and your breasts feel uncomfortable, then express your breastmilk- this can be given to your baby in either bottle or cup

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4. 52

   lalalalenasposted 14 years ago

   Hi Lela!
   
   I'm a brand new mommy holding my two week old right now. Though I don't completely know where you are coming from since we're brand new at this, I can only give you some ideas that I've personally thought of to prep for when we have to cross that bridge.
   
   First,if your baby no longer wants to breastfeed then you can't exactly make them. That will just cause meltdowns and more heartache for you. What I would maybe suggest is the closest simulation I can think of - pumping and personally feeding your baby. If you pump your milk and give that to your baby, then you are still providing nutrient rich food and doing what you can from the health point of breastfeeding. The bond part will be the hardest to get past. Snuggling your baby close to you in the same position you would feed him, maybe even with skin to skin contact, you still get that personal time. Just don't feel like because the baby wants to stop that you'll lose out on the whole experience! I'm sure that through some trial and error you two will work it out for the best experience. I hope I helped at least a little!

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5. 93

   Susana Sposted 14 years ago

   My baby (now 5) stopped breast feeding before I wanted to, but there were reasons for it. We were on holiday and had been giving her a bottle now and again. Then she became unwell with the flu and didn't want to eat, so despite me trying to keep up my milk supply with pumping it wasn't enough for her.
   
   What is the reason your baby doesn't want to breastfeed? Is s/he eating solids and getting full up with food? Have you used bottles and your baby prefers them? Does your baby have a sore throat? Have you been eating/drinking something your baby doesn't like? There can be a load of reasons that your baby seems to want to stop b/f. Find out what it is and go from there!

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6. 74

   DebtFreedomposted 14 years ago

   I completely agree with lalalalenas. Pump and feed! And for that closeness bond you are probably wanting, snuggles like lalala said and wear your baby too.

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