I need to wean my boy

Well ladies, my baby is turning one tomorow...I have breastfed him for all that time and I feel its almost time to stop.
He drinks his formula while Im at work, but after 5, its mommy time and he goes to sleep while I nurse him.  I have to say he loves it, and so do I

I have to admit this has not been easy, he wakes up 5-6 times to eat and I feel exausted most days...My question is:  Do you have any tips to wean him? How can I do this?   I have tried, but it hurts too much (physically and emotionally)...Any thoughts?

[PamelaBee]

I'm surprised he wakes up that many times during the night to feed at 1yr old.  Are you able to pump bm during the day and give him the bottle during the night?  

At 1yr old, you can now safely give him Vit D milk, or Soy Milk. Maybe give that to him during the night.  You could also give him cows milk, then let him nurse 1-2 times during the night just so he still gets bm.  I'm sure once you integrate the cows milk into his nightime feedings, we will soon be weened.  Good Luck!

[PamelaBee]

I meant "he" will soon be weened...also, the cows milk should be more filling to him at nightime, hence, giving you both a better nights sleep!  And...you should probably do away with formula during the day for him as well...might as well give him the whole milk...much cheaper!

[johannaviles]

I will give it a try...Thank you Pamela, Ill let you know how it goes!

[pertykitty]

my dd bf till 20 months.  ;yes she woke up several time during the night as well.  i thought the process would be very difficult but it was easier than i thought.  of course i stay home so she had access all the time lol.

i dont think giving a bottle at night is a good way to replace the breast.  there is much sugar in milk and even more in soy.  i have to say start with the after work nurse.  after a week then give up another session.  it is hard at night, they will cry and fuss.  hold him and cuddle him and love on him.  he will need extra support during this.  if dad can have him help rock him back to sleep.  

with us the first few times were a struggle.  it took about a month and a half *(remember though we had to stop daytime first).  she now sleeps and so do i!  good luck stay strong~!  i had a few times i thought about giving in but i knew it would be harder on her to keep starting/stopping.  

[johannaviles]

This is so much harder than I thought, for mommy and the baby...I gave in last night, I barely slept...Geeezz, beeing a mommy is not easy!

[pertykitty]

its one of those things that maybe one of you isnt ready, or both of you and its OK.  yes sleep is needed, but you dont want heartbreak either if its more than you are ready for.  it will be ok whatever your decision is!