Breastfeeding Weaning – Tips on How to Stop Breastfeeding

In a previous post, I discussed that you should start breastfeeding weaning when the time is right for you and your baby.  Once you make that decision, here are some tips on ways to make weaning easier:

1. Do it gradually – I have heard about some moms who went away for the weekend in order to wean their babies.  That is not recommended.  It is likely to result in sadness for the mom, uncomfortable engorgement and a possible mastitis, and is very confusing and traumatic for your child.  The way to begin gradually is to choose a feeding that you and your child are comfortable giving up.  Usually, early morning, evening, and nighttime feedings are the last to go.  A good feeding to give up may be a later morning or early afternoon feeding.  You may have to express a bit of milk to comfort to avoid a feeling of engorgement at that time.  Wait at least four days before giving up another feeding.  In my case, I lengthened the weaning process a lot by going weeks between giving up more feedings.  It was less sad for me doing it this way.
2. During those skipped nursing sessions, provide your child with food, formula, or cow’s milk (start cow’s milk only when advised by your pediatrician – varies between 1-2 years of age).
3. Reduce the time spent nursing – You can gradually reduce your milk supply for a feeding at a particular time of the day by slowly reducing the time spent nursing your baby.  If your child is still hungry or thirsty, once again provide food (older than 6 months), formula, or cow’s milk.
4. Offer your child cuddling and closeness with other activities such as reading, kisses, etc.

I hope that this has given you some ideas on how you can begin breastfeeding weaning.  In my next post, I will give you some ideas for weaning an older child from the breast.