I want to stop breastfeeding?

Hi
My son is nearly 11 months old and I would like to stop breast feeding now as he is starting to mess around with my nipples...pinching and laughing! he also still demands feeds still at night and im still getting up to him 2-3 times a night! He pretty much lets me know when he wants some by coming up to me and pulling my top down, he doesnt really feed in the day just comforts, he has meals 3 times a day and drinks of water from his sippy cup. If my mum or partner looks after him while im out he has formula so he will drink from a bottle or cup. How can I stop without it being sressful for us both?

I just stop breastfeeding my daughter this past Friday. I read about a "don't offer, don't refuse" system. It's as simple as it sounds. At times when he normally wants to feed, change the routine. Don't sit where you normally sit, maybe take him to another room and read a story. Unless he's really distraught about the lack of breastfeeding, don't do it. My daughter cried, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I found that distracting her into another activity was easier that I thought. Maybe you could try it. Not only did we successfully stop, but last night (only 4 days after stopping) she slept all the way through the night! Woo Hoo for me!!! Good luck. I was thrilled to "get my body back".

That's a good question!!! I'm about to be a mom and I would like to know yourself.
Start by cutting down. Swap one feed for a sippy cup then the next week two feeds etc. If he wont take the cup dont give in. It WILL be stressful but if u stick by ur guns it shouldnt last more than a week or two
It sounds as though he needs to comfort from you.

The problem is the night feeding and how you feel about the nipple playing.

Most babies learn to fondle the other nipple while sucking at the one, and this is healthy and normal and shouldn't cause you worry.
Although if he is laughing and thinks it is a game, you need to fix this by FIRMLY saying no, and pulling him off the breast. He will quickly learn this isn't acceptable and stop. This wont harm him in anyway and can be introduced very young to babies who are up to no good at the boob!

Give him a good long feed before bed with stories (this will help later when you remove the breastfeeding to keep the comfort he needs there). Make sure he has had enough supper before putting him down, and time in the bath and lots of cuddles.
When he wakes in the night for a feed, go in a rub his back and hum softly to him without any eye contact. This will help him go back to sleep faster. At this point he wants you, not food. Stay with him until he is asleep or calmed down.
He will be mad he isn't getting breastfeed from you, but you seem to be bothered by this, so this is an option.
Allow him to be upset and comfort him. You are taking something he obviously loves away from him, replace it with lots of love and attention.

I would carry on breastfeeding your child for as long as he needs, it seems he needs it. But stop the behaviour you don't like, laughing and night feeds.

I hope this was helpful.
Best wishes
I TRIED TO GIVE UP TOO BUT IT WAS HARD ON ME AND MY SON, SO I ENDED UP BREASTFEEDING TILL HE WAS 23MTHS AND STOPPED ON HIS OWN, JUST SAY''NO'' WHEN HE BITES AND HE WILL LEARN, U SHOULD KEEP GOING, I LOVE THE BOND OF BREASTFEEDING XXXXX
You can teach him better breastfeeding manners. When he plays with your nipple, you can end the feeding and say "we don't do that. That hurts mama."

You can also teach him a code word or sign for nursing. It is annoying when a baby walks up to you and pulls your top. Especially when they do it around other people! When he pulls on your top, just show him what you want him to do. Lots of people use nee-nee, nummies, or mama milk. In the UK, I think they say bitty.

As far as the night feeds, that's normal. You can read The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley. That book is awesome.

If you prefer to wean, then just eliminate one feeding at a time. Give yourself (and your baby) plenty of time to adjust to the new schedule. I would eliminate one feeding every week or two. Some people would go faster. I was weaned abruptly and I never got over it, so I hope you go slowly if you choose to wean.

Find support in your area or online if you want to continue to breastfeed. There are women out there who want to support you, you just have to find them.

Kudos for breastfeeding! You've given your son a great start in life!