Weaning - Las Vegas,NV

I read your note and the responses so far. (Thanks for the compliments Marcy!) I CAN help you with weaning if it is what YOU want. But I can't help wondering-- what problems have you encountered with breastfeeding that makes weaning your best and only choice?
Most babies enjoy the breastfeeding so much that they aren't happy in mom's arms with a bottle. But they do adjust in time. Having some one else feed the baby with bottles is a good way to start. If that's not possible, try bottle feeding with the baby in an infant seat. It's not usually the milk that causes the baby to fuss. Sometimes it's the flow from the bottle nipple.
Don't forget that you need to pump to "comfort level" and not just suddenly stop nursing. Your body needs time to decrease the supply. Sudden weaning can lead to plugged ducts and mastitis-- not something you would want to have.
I am at work tomorrow. ###-###-####) I should be there by 10am so give me a call. I have a group of moms meeting at 11am "Feeding Frenzy" (free) You're welcome to join us with your baby.
Another resource in Henderson is the Womens'Care center on GV Pkwy and I-215. The number there is ###-###-#### or 4901.
B. Fitzgerald

Hi D.,

I breastfed my son for his first year, however by his 3rd month I was unable to give him enough to keep him satisfied. Our Ped. told me to mix a small amt of rice cereal in the breast milk to help satisfy him longer. I started doing that only before bedtime and it really helped. My idea for you may be to ask your ped. if it might be ok to use the formula but add a small amt of rice cereal to it. He might love the heck out of it and be fine without the breast milk. Just a thought. I sure hope it helps you.

I had both the instructor of the "new parents" class we took and the nurse at the hospital that instructed me a bit on breastfeeding tell me that when it was time to add formula (I had to go back to work and even though I would still breastfeed 4 times a day, the child development center where I was going to leave my baby during the day would need to supplement with formula mid-morning and mid-afternoon), I would not be the best person to do it because as long as the baby can smell the mom, they are going to assume they can nurse. I left the house early in the morning on a Saturday and went to breakfast and shopping (luxuries that are difficult with a newborn in tow) while dad watched the baby. I was gone long enough for 3 feedings (breakfast, mid-morning and lunch-time) and when I came home he said that she had fussed a lot with the first feeding and pretty much refused, but once she was really hungry, and realized it was him with the bottle or nothing, she gave in and drank 2 ounces mid-morning and then a full 8 ounces just before I came home. It didn't hurt her to miss out on a few ounces, and it made the dad feel pretty good - when we breastfeed they miss out on some of the bonding experience.

You could try mixing more MM and less formula (like an ounce of formula to a bottle of MM and then slowly increase the amount of formula), you could try a different brand of formula. My son absolutely hated formula and it made him sick so I didn't wean him until he was over 1. So I don't have any great suggestions but I have heard other moms say they had good luck with introducing the formula slowly.

T.

why are you weaning? your profile lets it seem like perhaps you are looking for some more guidance? It seems like you've felt somewhat judged, and not quite supported?

Being in henderson, family to family has an AMAZING lactation councelor, Betty Fiztgerald. She's awesome and if you are having any issues with it, she could help you figure it out (but she won't give you weaning advice). i don't have her number with me right now, but you can find it easily in the phone book under "Family to family"

anothersource of info for me, is www.kellymom.com, there's also good 'mother-led weaning' advice there.

and www.birthyear.com has Lactation councelors listed, who could also become a huge source of support and guidance for you.

But I would encourage you to stick with it! you've already given your baby 3 mo. of awesome breastmilk, and if you're feeling like you've got some issues that need to be worked out ,perhaps that would help you keep going?