You’re likely to have spent many mornings, midmornings and afternoons (and even nights!) breast-feeding your child. You’ve probably spent more mornings, mid-mornings, afternoons, evenings (and nights!) breastfeeding your baby than you can count.
It’s good news, because the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that you breastfeed exclusively for your baby’s six-month period and introduce solids gradually afterward. AAP recommends that you continue breastfeeding your baby for up to 2 years. The World Health Organization also recommends breastfeeding for a similar period.
Your baby or toddler is sure to be ready for weaning — eventually. Weaning can be a tricky topic, says Heidi Szugye , MD, IBCLC. She is the medical director at Cleveland Clinic’s Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic & Center. Every baby — and parent — is unique.
Dr. Szugye shares practical tips to help you and your child make the transition as easy as possible.
When should you wean your child from breast milk?
Your baby or toddler may let you know when they are ready to be weaned by showing a lack of interest in breast-feeding. You may have a child that is independent and will decide for themselves when they are done.
You can’t always rely on these two things. According to Dr. Szugye, “In general, research has shown that it is rare for a child or infant to wean themselves before the age 2 to 4.” Most often, a parent decides to wean their child before this age.
Dr. Szugye emphasizes that each family has its own reasons and decisions for weaning.
When a parent returns to the workplace, some babies may develop a preference for bottles. “This makes breastfeeding a bit more difficult,” notes Dr. Szugye.
It’s not necessarily time to wean if breastfeeding becomes difficult. Dr. Szugye says that 60% of parents do not breastfeed as long as intended. They wean their babies because they are experiencing some kind of breastfeeding difficulty.
As doctors, we need to understand why weaning is necessary. We want to help them first if we are able.
How to wean off breastfeeding
Each parent’s experience of weaning is unique. Dr. Szugye offers some universal tips that will make your journey easier.
Take your time
There are times when a parent must wean their child from breastfeeding for medical reasons. The parameters of weaning will be determined by your milk supply. Dr. Szugye says that someone with an excess of milk will take longer to wean their child than someone with a deficiency.
If possible, weaning slowly and steadily is the best option. You can develop mastitis or blocked milk ducts if you wean too quickly.
“Studies have shown that weaning too quickly can also affect your mood,” says Dr. Szugye. If you wean too quickly and quit breastfeeding abruptly, your risk of anxiety and depression increases. This is because the hormones involved in making milk can also affect our mood.
She reiterates, however, that everyone’s weaning process is different. Some people wean faster than others. You should go according to your comfort level.
Change the routine of your baby
You can control the environment of your baby if you are trying to wean an infant.
A parent or other family member can offer a bottle to the baby during this transition. You should also try to bottle feed in a place other than where you usually breastfeed. (Without you present). This will reduce the likelihood that your baby will experience the natural breastfeeding triggers.
It’s best to introduce a bottle intermittently, if you know when you will need to wean. For example, you may have a return date to work. To ease the transition, choose a bottle nipple that is closest to the shape of your breast.
Use distractions and time-limiting techniques
It can be a little more difficult (or even a lot harder) to wean an older child. Most often, you will want to start with the least favorite feeding of your child and gradually reduce it each week. This allows your breasts to adjust their production to meet the reduced demand.
You can delay or stop a feeding by using distractions with an older child (such as playing outside or reading their favorite book).
Use tricks that limit the time between feedings. Set a timer by playing a song, and telling your child that they can only feed until the song ends.
Offer healthy snacks or water just before the normal nursing period. You can reduce (or eliminate) the need for nursing.
Avoid picking a time that is difficult
It can be difficult to wean your child when he is teething or is sick. When everything is going smoothly, it’s much easier to wean your baby.
Do not give up your closeness
It’s important to remember what it was that you liked about breastfeeding – not just the milk but also the comfort and closeness. You should give your baby plenty of attention and physical contact during this time.
Do not completely empty your breast
You can pump or express your milk if you are experiencing discomfort or engorgement when weaning. If you are feeling uncomfortable, ice packs may help.
“You do not want to completely empty your breast,” says Dr. Szugye. When your breasts are empty, your body will produce more milk.
Do not make it an either-or process
You can’t change what your baby or your body wants by pressing a button. This transition will not happen overnight.
Remember that you do not have to wean the baby all at once. It is best to do the process gradually and with flexibility.
Dr. Szugye says that there’s a common misconception that breastfeeding is either done all the time or stopped completely. It doesn’t have to be either all or nothing. If you decide you no longer want to breastfeed, you do not have to stop completely and wean your baby overnight.
You may decide, for example, to stop breastfeeding at night but continue to pump. You don’t need to breastfeed 8 times a day. You can only breastfeed one time before going to bed. “Most parents enjoy bonding with their babies,” she says.
If your child hasn’t reached weaning age
Don’t be discouraged if your child hasn’t reached the weaning age. Some babies take longer than others to wean.
If you are unsure if your breastfeeding is on track, speak to your child’s pediatrician. Lactation Consultants are also a great help. As healthcare providers, we have a responsibility to support you and provide you with the best options and alternatives available.
Every family has different reasons for weaning. We are here to help you at every stage.
