Weaning

What is Weaning

Weaning is the process of stopping breastfeeding. This may be a natural process that takes place on its own over time, or there may be a reason you need to stop breastfeeding. If possible, wait until your baby is at least 6 months old before weaning. With a little time and preparation, weaning can be a positive experience.

When is the best time to stop breastfeeding or for weaning?

There is no right or wrong time. What is best for you and your child may be different from what is best for other mothers and their children. It is recommended that you:

• Feed your baby only breast milk for the first 6 months.
• Start to introduce solid foods when your baby is around 6 months old. Feed your baby both breast milk and solid food for another 6 months.
• Continue to breastfeed your baby as long as both you and your child want to after 12 months.

Your baby may start to wean himself or herself at about 6 months. This may happen when:

• Your baby starts to eat more solid food. Your baby may still prefer to nurse in order to get fluids.
• Your baby is able to drink from a cup. This may prompt your baby to breastfeed less often.
• Your baby gradually becomes less interested in breastfeeding as he or she gets used to drinking other fluids.
• Your baby slowly starts to drop one breastfeeding session every 2–3 days.

Sometimes, becoming pregnant again can signal a time to wean. During pregnancy, your milk supply naturally decreases, and your milk may start to have a less desirable taste.

How do I start weaning?

Wean gradually over several weeks. Some guidelines to follow are:

• Encourage your baby to try different feeding methods, such as:
  • Drinking pre-pumped (expressed) breast milk out of a cup.
  • Drinking from a bottle, if he or she will not use a cup.
  • Having some else offer the first cup or bottle feeding. This will make it less confusing for your baby.
• When cup or bottle feeding is successful, and your baby is getting enough nutrition that way, you can substitute a cup feeding for one breastfeeding session a day.
• Over several weeks, replace one more breastfeeding session with cup feeding every few days. This may be easier if your baby will drink something from the cup besides your expressed breast milk.
• If you are returning to work, start by replacing normal feedings during work hours with cup or bottle feedings.
• If your child is around 6 months old, start giving your child small amounts of one-ingredient nutrient-rich solid food in addition to breast milk. Common first foods include:
  • Pureed or mashed banana.
  • Unsweetened apple sauce.
  • Pureed or mashed avocado.
  • Cooked and mashed sweet potato.
  • Infant rice cereal that has added iron (iron-fortified).
• Pay attention to your child’s behavior and emotional needs when weaning. Consider replacing breastfeeding with a soothing activity, such as story time. Providing your baby with a routine can help them feel secure.

Your breasts may feel full and uncomfortable at times during weaning. It may help to express a small amount of breast milk to relieve some tension, but do not completely empty your breasts.

Where to find support

Your health care provider or a lactation consultant can help you during the weaning process. They can help you decide which foods are best to introduce first and which fluids you can start substituting for breast milk. They can also help if you have any problems related to breastfeeding or weaning.

Contact a health care provider if:

• One or both breasts become firm, painful, or red.
• Your baby suddenly stops nursing (nursing strike).
• Your baby is not gaining weight.
• You develop a fever.

Summary

• Weaning is the process of stopping breastfeeding. This may be a natural process that takes place on its own over time, or there may be a reason you need to stop breastfeeding.
• The best time for you and your baby to wean may be different from what is best for other mothers and their children.
• Your baby may start to wean himself or herself at about 6 months, when they start eating more solid food or drinking from a cup.
• Your health care provider or a lactation consultant can help you if you have any problems related to breastfeeding or weaning.