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Q&A: Weaning strategies?

I need help weaning my 6-month-old. How do you refuse when they're fighting you? I am trying to stop the day feedings and just nurse at night, but she won't take a bottle from me.

Re: I need help weaning my 6-month-old. How do you refuse when they're fighting you? I am trying to stop the day feedings and just nurse at night, but she won't take a bottle from me.

The Bump Expert

For both you and baby, a gradual wean (and lots of patience!) is key.Though it may sound tough right now, you're saving yourself a major future headache -- studies show babies are easiest to wean before age one. Start by substituting your baby's favorite nursing time with a bottle. If she gets fussy, let your partner take over the feeding. In the coming weeks, alternate between breast and bottle feedings, gradually decreasing the frequency of nursings. Also try decreasing the length of breastfeeding sessions, and pushing back the time of nursing by distracting baby with playtime or an outing.

Remember, breastfeeding isn't all or nothing. You can continue to nurse at night even after baby takes a bottle during the day. Baby will feel very vulnerable throughout the weaning process, so try to give her lots of affection and attention. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies receive breast milk for at least the first year, so if you can't pump, make sure your baby gets adequate nutrients from formula.

Paula Kashtan | May 14 , 2009 11:13 AM

re: Q: Weaning strategies?

Since the AAP recommends breastmilk for the first year she could check into purchasing donor breastmilk. I did this with my oldest baby because I struggled with my milk supply. Do a google search on milk bank and ask your pediatrician about writing a letter of medical necessity; our insurance paid a big chunck of the cost of donor breastmilk and it's soo much better than formula. Good Luck

bryans4 | October 14 , 2008 12:07 PM

Q&A: Weaning strategies?

I am currently nursing 7 month-old twins. I haven't begun weaning them yet, but we did start adding solid foods to their diet around 6 months. I nurse them immediately after their "food" meal (currently they have breakfast and supper), and this seems to have naturally cut down on the amount of breast milk needed. Also, in the last 2 weeks we've been trying to drink from a tiny glass with their meals (my attempt to have them learn to drink from a glass rather than learning to be dependent on a sippy cup all of the time). Perhaps a glass would help avoid the bottle issue? I've tried 3 times to get my twins to take a bottle, and was not overly successful (although it was only with the intention of being able to be baby-free for a few hours for a special occasion so I wasn't too concerned). Also, I never breastfeed as a way to put the babies to sleep. They eat(nurse) after they wake up from a nap, then do some activity, then I put them down for a sleep (the "Baby Whisperer" E.A.S.Y. method) and so they don't associate nursing with going to bed. Good luck finding something that works for you :)

kdhudon | November 18 , 2009 12:59 AM