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How to Wean Baby off the Breast

Written by Dulcinea Norton-Smith

For those lucky enough to be able to breastfeed there will come a time when you want to stop. Whether that is after 1 week or after the World Health Organisation recommendation of 6 months the steps remain the same. Here is some Foodie Mama advice on when and how to stop breastfeeding.

The World Health Organisation recommend that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. Not everyone is able to or chooses to do this however and some mothers decide to breast feed way past 6 months. So how do you wean baby onto milk or formula and what problems do you face?

How To Wean

You may make the decision to wean because you need more freedom, because you have been struggling or because your are returning to work. Alternatively your baby may start to refuse the breast or show you other signs that they are ready to move on. There are no set ways to stop breastfeeding but here are some things to try and keep in mind;

Do not stop too abruptly or you may get engorged breasts, infections and feel depressed due to the rapid drop in hormone levels
If baby is under 12 months move onto baby formula. If over 12 months move to cow's milk
Remember that most baby's will get a great deal of comfort from breast feeding so keep those hugs coming
When it is time to feed offer a cup or bottle instead of breastfeeding. Do not offer the breast but if baby is getting distressed do not refuse it.
Gradually drop daytime feeds or extend the time between feeds to break the breastfeeding routine for baby and slowly reduce your body's milk production.
If after 4 – 6 weeks you have not made any progress then maybe the time was not right either for yourself or baby. Do not cause either of you further distress at this point. Go back to your normal routine and begin again when you are both ready.
You will always come across people who have very prescriptive views on breastfeeding and no one view will be the same. Once you have made the decision to stop breastfeeding and are happy with your decision do not allow anyone to make you feel bad about it and do not listen to old wife's tales about the supposed damage you will do your baby. You will not turn your baby into a serial killer if you decide to stop breastfeeding before the age of 1!
Allow yourself several weeks for the weaning process and if you have a few unsuccessful starts to not beat yourself up about it.