When did you know it was time to wean?

[huey]

I don't know if we're having an off week or what, but DD just hasn't seem to want to BF. She will latch, eat for 30 seconds, pull off, play, bite me, latch, eat, rinse, repeat.

I gave up last night after my nipple started bleeding and gave her a bottle and she gobbled it up.

I am not ready to stop BFing but don't want to make her do it if she's over it. (I know, she's 7.5 months)

When did you wean? How did you know it was time? My ideal goal is a year.

[Ashley&Scott]

DS is the same age as your DD & he wasn't eating very well last week, I think it may have been teething related since he was cutting a tooth. Anytime I tried to nurse while holding him he would do what you're describing. He still nursed did side lying nursing no problem.

I would try different positions & minimize distractions as much as possible. If you suspect teething pain maybe give a cold teething ring or teething tablets before nursing sessions.

Hang in there I bet it will pass soon!

[huey]

Thanks! That makes me feel better It's been a rough week.

[anna7602]

7.5 months seems pretty young to self-wean. Take a look at kellymom and search "early weaning" or something like that. It will provide tips for refocusing an easily distracted nurser. I think it's pretty typical at that age for them to lose focus very quickly, latching on, latching off, etc.

[aspentosh]

My DD is the same age and is also really distracted when nursing. She'll be fine for the first few minutes, but then does exactly what your DD does. I think, like Ashley said, it's related to teething and just hitting new milestones.

Somedays are better than others, so I say hang in there!

[mrshandy]

Babies don't really self-wean at 7.5 months.

They do get distracted, bite and do lots of crazy stuff.

Just keep offering, make sure to BF in a quiet, distraction free environment, take advantage of morning and night nursing as times when they are less distracted.

It's usually just a phase and they will get over it.