Katie's birthday is fast approaching and with it the thought of weaning her from breastfeeding. I've been thinking a lot about it actually and have no idea how to go about doing it.
Katie has never had a bottle (I really don't want to give her one at this point). She won't take a sippy cup. She will drink from a regular cup, but I have to hold it for her or on the floor it goes.
I tried to give Katie oatmeal the other day and she threw it up after gagging on it for a minute. She has a big issue with texture (just like her mommy) which makes feeding her regular (and some baby foods) problematic.
And nighttime. Oy.
Any suggestions? Or resources I could look into?
Are far as feeding goes, I have no idea. But have you ever read Healthy Sleep Habits by Marc Weissbluth? My sisters all swear by this book. I've heard it's truly life changing.
ReplyDeleteKay... I would pump and give her breastmilk from a bottle. Then eventually switch from bottle to sippy cup... using water or diluted juices. She will be more apt to use "big girl" cups if they contain something pleasant and delicious.
ReplyDeleteThat being said... don't pressure yourself or little Katie to make the switch until both of you are ready. And take small steps in the direction you want to go. Nothing drastic needs to happen... baby steps.
As far as food goes try and give her foods you would eat... but cut them up into tiny pieces. So small, that if she swallows them whole, it'll be painless. Clearly you want her to have proper nutrition and it sounds like you're on the right path.
One more thing... she is waking up in the night mostly out of habit (probably). Don't feed her in the middle of the night. Cuddle her, talk to her, rub her back... but don't nurse her. This may be the first step in weaning her for both of you.
Good luck and I hope a lot of other Mamma's respond to your post. I am just speaking out of my own experience and I am sure sure a lot of other mothers have some great advice.
Loves to you.
Devon- I haven't heard of the book, but will look it up! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBeth- I appreciate your opinion and hold you in high esteem as a mother. Thank you for sharing!