What Are Some Weaning Strategies?
First off, there’s no perfect time to stop breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and then continuing while you introduce solids for at least a year. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for the first two years. And some mothers choose to nurse their kids all through the toddler years. That said, there are many reasons moms may wean earlier than the recommendations, and you’re the best judge of what’s right for you and baby.
Go slow
Unless there’s a medical reason to wean, do it gradually. “If you do it abruptly, it can be heartbreaking for both you and baby,” says Gina Ciagne, certified lactation consultant for Lansinoh. Plus, if you don’t allow your body time to adjust as you cut back on feedings, you risk painful engorgement, plugged ducts and even mastitis.
“So if you nurse eight times a day, for example, start by taking away one of the eight nursing sessions — choose the one baby seems least interested in, where she normally unlatches and looks around often,” Ciagne says. Then, every few days, once your body and baby adjust to fewer nursing sessions, cut out one more. End with the session baby seems to enjoy most. “Usually it’s the nighttime feeding that goes last,” Ciagne says. You may need to substitute the skipped feeding with formula, regular milk and/or solid foods, depending on baby’s age and diet. (If you need to wean more quickly, ask your doctor for help.)
Bond in other ways
Expect baby to feel vulnerable during this change, so get in plenty of one-on-one time — cuddle, give her a soothing warm bath, read books. She should know that nursing less doesn’t equal less mommy time. “Talk to her and reassure her,” Ciagne says. Baby’s resisting? Distract her during the usual nursing time with a toy or activity, and avoid the seat you normally sit in for breastfeeding.
Be age- and child-appropriate
If you have a toddler, it can help to explain the situation: Maybe tell her the milk is going away, but you aren’t. React to baby’s cues. If it’s not urgent, you can cut back on feedings at the pace you feel your child is ready. Simply don’t offer, but don’t refuse feedings, Ciagne says. Weaning can take a couple weeks — or much longer. Some moms start the weaning process, and then decide to go back to the old schedule. That’s okay too.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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