Breastfeeding is truly a rewarding, beneficial-for-baby-and-mom experience. In fact, the pros of breastfeeding are numerous (as you can read here). I admit, it can be challenging at times – especially in the beginning (when latching on can be an obstacle) or if you’re a working mom and you “live or die” by your pump. (I definitely won’t miss touting my inconspicuous, big, black bag around daily!) But I will significantly miss our bonding time.
My son had my breast milk for the first year of his life, too – but once we introduced a bottle at seven weeks, he didn’t want me anymore. That didn’t stop us from bonding, though – at three-and-a-half years old, he’s definitely my special little guy!
My daughter was the opposite – we introduced a bottle at six weeks and family members tried (unsuccessfully) to give her one every few days until I returned to work at 12 weeks. While at school, she “griped” about taking her breast milk from a bottle until she was 14 weeks old. Even now, although she figured out that breast milk bottles are okay, she still prefers me.
Which brings me to my concern: how do I start the weaning process? During the day, she’s drinking from bottles and sippy cups just fine – it’s the before-bed feeding and early-morning feeding that I’m most concerned about. Got any advice?
Mandy Forbus is a Sr. Marketing Specialist at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst Euless Bedford and mother of two who has been very dedicated to breastfeeding.
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