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Dear Dr. Tanya Remer-Altmann - I have 10 1/2 month-old twins (a boy and a girl). My daughter was nursed for 7 1/2 months and now uses bottles only.  My son has always been nursed as he REFUSED bottles.  I tried leaving him with others and at different houses, but it never worked.  He happily drinks water out of a sippy cup and has taken in a few sips of cow's milk out of the cup...but not formula or breastmilk - he refuses.  But if I try to hold off on nursing and give him the cup only he gets so fussy until I nurse him.  To wean him from nursing - do I just go cold turkey? And how do I get him to take a sippy cup?  I could really use your advice.

Dr. Tanya Remer-Altmann says, You are the mom and you run the show.  Your twins will drink breast milk or formula (they shouldn't be on regular cow's milk until a year) however you get them used to it.  Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for your twins, but if you are ready to wean than start by substituting nursing with a sippy or straw cup.  A bottle is also fine, but since he doesn't like it anyway, go straight to a cup and avoid having to wean the bottle later on.  Some moms like to eliminate one breastfeeding time every few days (usually saving bedtime for last) while some go slower or faster.  If you cold turkey it you may be in for some engorgement and discomfort, but you can always pump and give him the breast milk in a cup.  Of course he is going to fuss--he would much rather have his mommy than a plastic cup and in the past you have always given in to his crying.  So be firm and don't give in.  He's not going to dehydrate himself.  It may take an entire day or two, but as long as you are consistent, he'll eventually learn to drink from a cup like his sister.

May 06, 2008

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