Bottled or Draught ?

[Lunar Wolf]

Ours was breastfed until he was 1, he grew disintrested and unlatched himself of his own accord and now just helps himself to the milk in the fridge.

[Bugbait]

We've used a combination of bottle and breast since the beginning, except the first 48 hours when we had no idea you could mix them (poor wife). Usually it's lunch and dinner on the bottle but recently it has been a midnight feed as well. I personally think it's actually good to use both or just the bottle. Quite a few parents I know had problems weaning their babies off pure breast around the 6 month mark, ie. Not use to a bottle so wouldn't take it.

It's easier on the wife as our son has always fed very slowly. He'd feed a good hour on breast, constantly falling asleep and still not fill up, even though there was plenty of milk there. He's sped up now but the first couple of months would've been hell on us both without a mix of bottle. He only slept a full 8-9 hours for two weeks. All other times so far it's 3-4 hours in a single block at most at night and maybe 30 minutes blocks during the day if we're lucky. When you baby doesn't sleep much, being able to have your partner (lucky me) feed the baby is very helpful.

Don't worry about the "breast is best" mantra. I few fathers I know just use it as an excuse not to have to feed their baby .

[Bugbait]

It became a comfort thing by the end - I'm not sure he was actually getting any milk out (although, that said, Mrs. Schmunk was still lactating - she's building up to Schmunk 2.2 now, mind...!)

In theory women will lactate (assuming they can - some can't) for as long as needed. Wasn't there a case of a woman breast feeding her son until 11 or older? Call me judgemental but that's just all kinds of wrong.

[Lunar Wolf]

bet that 11 year old was pretty healthy - physically...


bitty

[schmunk]

Schmunk Jr. was breast fed until his second birthday - that was his least favourite birthday present...!

One month on and he doesn't even mention milk now. Success.