I’ve breastfed my baby for over a year, and I think we are both ready to be done now. What’s the best way to wean him?
Wow! Breastfeeding for more than one year is a huge accomplishment! You should be proud of yourself. There are tons of benefits to breastfeeding into the toddler years, but you know your baby best! If you think he’s ready, go ahead and follow his lead.
Weaning is a process that takes time. Choosing a time that is not difficult for your baby will make things go more smoothly. Baby needing to adjust to a new daycare, teething, fighting an illness or going through a growth spurt are not good times to start weaning.
Signs Your Toddler is Ready to Wean
- Disinterested or fussy when nursing
- Nursing for shorter periods of time, going longer between feedings and no longer “asking” to breastfeed
- Becoming easily distracted while nursing
- "Playing" at the breast, such as frequently pulling off or biting (biting alone may not be a reason to wean. Click here for more info on biting.)
- No longer nursing for nutrition; comfort nursing, but not removing milk
Gradual Weaning
This is the preferred method of weaning. Weaning suddenly can be difficult for you and your baby.
Benefits:
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- Allows your body, breasts, and hormones to adjust over time
- Slowly decreases milk supply, which decreases the risk of inflammation and infection
- Reduces baby’s stress
- Eases the emotional transition for both mom and baby
Since baby is over a year old, a replacement to breast milk is not needed, but water or whole milk are good distractions!
Week 1: Cut out one breastfeeding session.
Week 2: Cut out a second breastfeeding session (preferably the opposite time of day from the first).
As your baby and your breasts adjust, keep cutting out additional breastfeeding sessions, one at a time, over the course of several weeks. The first breastfeeding session of the morning, or the ones before naps and bedtime are often the hardest for baby to let go of. Consider eliminating those last.
Avoid pumping if you can, but finding a good balance is key. Milk needs to remain in the breasts to signal your body to decrease milk production. However, letting the breasts become so full that they are hard and painful increases the risk of plugged ducts or mastitis. Use ice to decrease swelling and avoid heat. If needed, hand express just a bit to provide some relief, but not to empty.
It’s common not to completely ‘dry up’ for a significant period of time, but your breasts will not leak excessively or feel full or uncomfortable after the weaning process is completed.
Ways to Ease into a New Normal
- Increase Cuddles and spend more time holding baby when he is not hungry. Avoid the “out of sight, out of mind” technique. Your baby will notice your absence and he needs you during this transition.
- Don’t Offer; Don’t Refuse. This is often one of the first strategies of weaning. Avoid nursing, just because “it’s time”. If baby doesn’t seem interested, skip that feeding. If he is persistent, go ahead and nurse.
- Delay & Distract. Play together, go outside, read a book or offer a snack.
- Shorten nursing sessions. Don’t let baby have a full feeding or offer just one breast.
- Anticipate & Avoid. Notice when baby is “thinking” about breastfeeding and try to avoid the request to breastfeed from being made. Avoid the usual “nursing spots” like a special chair and any special routine that would make your baby think about breastfeeding. Wear clothing that doesn’t give easy access to the breasts.
- Accept Help from your support system to provide additional distractions and comfort.
Be open to making adjustments. If weaning is not going well, consider waiting before trying again. Weaning becomes less of an issue as babies get older, gain understanding, and start receiving more nutrition from other sources.
Ending your breastfeeding journey can be just as rewarding as starting it was!
SOURCE:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/weaning.html