BTDT mom's who EBF - weaning question

I'm currently EBF my 8 month old DS. He doesn't take a bottle so I don't pump. I plan on having him weaned by his 1st birthday. I actually have to be away from him for a day or 2 the week of his 1st bday so I know he HAS to be weaned by then.
I'm just not sure of how to go about weaning. I have a few - ok A LOT- of questions and I'm hoping some of you BTDT mom's can help.

Can I introduce milk before a year? - If so when should I start?

I know I should drop one feeding at a time. How many days should I wait between dropping feedings?

If you nursed your baby to sleep how did you drop that feeding and did you replace it with milk? Also did DC have any sleeping issues?

How long will this process take to make it pain free on me?

I currently nurse 4 times a day and a few times a week I still do a night feeding. DS will be 1 on 6/23. When should I start the weaning process.

Thanks for any help you can give me to explain the process. I'd love to hear other people's experiences.

Re: BTDT mom's who EBF - weaning question

My sister EBF and had to go to work so I know she introduced milk before 1 year as my neice isn't yet 1. As far as weaning we just did this at 17 mos and had to stop cold turkey. I had originally cut out the night feedings 2 weeks before to help with the transition. She does ask but we give the binky when she does and she seems to be ok

Re: BTDT mom's who EBF - weaning question

i dont think i can help you with all of your questions but i will share my experience with weaning. i had to wean my DD very very unexpectedly due to being seriously ill and on medication. she was 9 months old. i was totally unprepared for it. i had no freezer stash, she didn't take a bottle, and had never had formula. she also nursed before bed every night etc... i was a wreck about it. i was crying, freaking out, you name it.
well i was amazed at how well she adjusted. she just went with it. she never looked for the boob again. went right to sleep without it,,,i was shocked. however the one bad thing was that she rejected formula entirely. so my dr. gave me the ok to start reg. milk which she would drink out of a sippy. so amazingly she transitioned very well with this too. no bottles and did not react adversly thank goodness to milk. we never looked back and it worked out after all of my worry.
i just weaned my 7 month old DS and did that easily only b/c he is used to bottles and will drink anything i put in it! namely formula this time
good luck and don't worry too too much-it's amazing how adaptable kids are. usually it takes 3 days at worst for them to get used to new things.


ETA yes some people give milk at 10 or 11 months ..not usually as early as i did. i wouldn't have but my situation was unique in a way. i would ask your ped.

Message edited 2/23/2010 9:52:55 PM.