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How to stop feeding for 2 years baby


How to Wean a Toddler (Even the Stubborn Ones!)

When you first began your breastfeeding journey, you likely tried to set realistic expectations. In those early days, you may have just told yourself to focus on making it through one feed, day, or week of breastfeeding.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), around 84 percent of parents in the United States start out breastfeeding, but only 35 percent are still going strong after a year. Some parents are surprised when baby’s first birthday comes and goes and their little one is still happily breastfeeding.

Nevertheless, given the challenges and dedication that have gone into making it work, at some point, not everyone is still happy about breastfeeding — namely, you.

Sometimes breastfeeding can start to wear on your patience. You may begin to wonder whether you’ll ever feel ownership over your own body or get a night of uninterrupted sleep, or if your toddler will ever stop demanding milkies (or numnums, or nursies, or whatever name you’ve established).

Other times, once you’ve hit the 1-year, 18-month, or 24-month milestones, you start wondering how you can get your toddler to stop breastfeeding.

So is there a trick? What do you do when your stubborn toddler has ideas of their own? Keep reading for our best tips on how to wean a toddler.

Depending on your little one’s age, they may not be able to express their thoughts in complex sentences just yet, but they understand a lot.

Let them know that the end is near. Tell them how proud you are of how they’ve grown, what they’ve learned, and what they can do. Explain that as children grow, they no longer need to breastfeed. Emphasize all the great things that they can do and how exciting it is that they’re growing up.

Of course, not all toddlers are ready for this kind of talk. If these conversations about the future seem to elicit a negative reaction or anxiety, it’s OK to hold off on these discussions. Instead, keep the focus on the positive and wait until they’re a little older and you’re a little closer to things winding down before you talk about stopping breastfeeding.

Don’t feel like you need to rush this. Allow for time to adjust to the idea. Weaning works better — both for their emotional response and your health — when done gradually. While you may not be feeding as often as you once were, a slow decrease helps avoid engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis.

You may have a solid schedule of feeding times, or you may still be breastfeeding on demand and when your baby seeks comfort or soothing. Instead of automatically heading for the couch at your designated morning session, wait to see whether your toddler asks to breastfeed.

If they ask, go ahead, but if they’re more interested in playing with the cat or trying the new cereal you recently bought, go with it. You may find that your schedule decreases considerably simply by allowing new things to take the place of nursing sessions.

Often toddlers are busy throughout the day but like to get in a long breastfeeding session before naps and bedtime to relax. Again, talk to your toddler about what’s happening, and put a limit on how long these sessions will last.

To avoid any back and forth about when you’re done, set a timer. Perhaps that means breastfeeding for 15 minutes, reading a favorite book, then putting them to bed. After a week or two, decrease the time to 10 minutes, followed by a book and a song, then bed.

You can continue to slowly decrease the breastfeeding time, replacing it with other activities your toddler enjoys. Once they know they’ll still get that undivided attention from you, they’re more likely to let go of the feeds more easily.

If you’re as busy as most parents are, you’ve likely nursed in all sorts of interesting places. As you’re weaning, instead of taking the show on the road, start to limit where breastfeeding is available.

Maybe this means only at home for a while, followed by only in the bedroom. Toddlers with FOMO don’t like to know the world is happening out there without them, so they’re likely to respond with shorter feeds if they’re forced to stop what they’re doing and leave the action.

You can also limit the timing. This could mean telling your toddler that bedtime is for them, you, and breastfeeding. They’re welcome to feed before the lights go out, but once that happens, it’s not an option.

You’re likely to get some push back if overnight feedings have been part of their routine. If so, consider sending in your partner or a helper for night wakings so that breastfeeding isn’t an option.

As mentioned before, it’s important to replace the time spent together nursing with something that provides that special time for you and your little one. What this can look like depends on lots of things, such as the time of day, your toddler’s likes and dislikes, and more.

Consider swapping breastfeeding sessions for:

  • an extra story
  • an extra song
  • a special bedtime routine
  • doing an activity together, such as a puzzle or game
  • a big-kid snack, like a cup of milk or handful of cereal
  • a walk around the block
  • a phone call to a grandparent or friend

If you’re ready to transition from a crib to a bed or preparing for another pregnancy, it might seem like a good time to just knock it all out at once. However, toddlers thrive on routine, and too many changes at once can equal tears and tantrums.

If you’re going through other life changes or your toddler is sick, take some time to work through those changes before you begin weaning.

This one might be necessary for resistant or stubborn toddlers who aren’t particularly interested in explanations of why you’re cutting back on breastfeeding. How you handle this depends on your circumstances.

If your little one likes to nurse off and on all night, try putting on a sleep bra or extra layers of clothing before bed. When they wake, you can reassure them and rub their back, but let them know that your breasts aren’t available.

Some moms cover their nipples with large bandages and tell their children that they’re unable to nurse as a result — but count on your babe demanding some bandages of their own! Other moms rub vinegar onto their nipples so that the taste is unpleasant when an insistent toddler attempts to feed.

And sometimes you have to remove yourself from the equation. Encourage your partner to take over the bedtime routine, whether for a night or the foreseeable future. Go out of town or stay with a friend for a night.

Know that no specific time is the “right” time to wean your toddler.

While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests breastfeeding for “1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant” and the World Health (WHO) suggests “continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond,” those are just guidelines.

Each breastfeeding pair has to find the path that works for their partnership. After all, that’s what breastfeeding is in many ways — a partnership. You and your baby have grown together, through latching difficulties, sleepless nights, and many quiet (and not-so-quiet) feeding sessions.

In some cases, breastfeeding comes to an end very naturally. As time goes by, your little one may begin showing less interest in breastfeeding as they’re busy exploring the world, and your feeding sessions may slowly begin to shorten and fade over time.

Taking a few steps as suggested above might ease the transition, allowing you both a peaceful end to this time.

However, in other cases, the end isn’t so simple.

Sometimes you’re both happy to keep breastfeeding, but other people in your life, such as your partner, parent, or friends, begin to make you feel like you should stop.

Feel free to remind them that extended breastfeeding is normal and natural. Remember that while they’re entitled to their opinion, you’re capable of making this decision for yourself.

Other times, extended breastfeeding starts to shift from a welcome connection to your little one to a daily struggle. Sometimes it reaches a point of feeling like you’re always on call and expected to show up with your breasts available, and it can start to feel like an imposition.

You may want to spend a night out with friends, have an undisturbed night of sleep, or simply feel fully in control of your own body again — and that’s OK. Feeling ready to wean your toddler doesn’t make you a bad parent.

When children are being particularly difficult, you’ll often hear others say that it’s just a phase. Indeed, many of the biggest joys and challenges of parenting are moments that feel long while you’re in the middle of them but are fleeting in the course of a lifetime.

This is also true for breastfeeding. It’s a phase that’s not meant to last forever, and it’s normal and healthy to decide — at a time that feels right to you — that you’re ready for it to end.

It might be a struggle, and you might face some tears (both your and your little one’s). But take heart that you’ve done something amazing together, and these challenges reflect that. It’s difficult when beautiful things come to an end, but there’s other beauty ahead for you and your toddler, too.

How to Wean a Toddler (Even the Stubborn Ones!)

When you first began your breastfeeding journey, you likely tried to set realistic expectations. In those early days, you may have just told yourself to focus on making it through one feed, day, or week of breastfeeding.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), around 84 percent of parents in the United States start out breastfeeding, but only 35 percent are still going strong after a year. Some parents are surprised when baby’s first birthday comes and goes and their little one is still happily breastfeeding.

Nevertheless, given the challenges and dedication that have gone into making it work, at some point, not everyone is still happy about breastfeeding — namely, you.

Sometimes breastfeeding can start to wear on your patience. You may begin to wonder whether you’ll ever feel ownership over your own body or get a night of uninterrupted sleep, or if your toddler will ever stop demanding milkies (or numnums, or nursies, or whatever name you’ve established).

Other times, once you’ve hit the 1-year, 18-month, or 24-month milestones, you start wondering how you can get your toddler to stop breastfeeding.

So is there a trick? What do you do when your stubborn toddler has ideas of their own? Keep reading for our best tips on how to wean a toddler.

Depending on your little one’s age, they may not be able to express their thoughts in complex sentences just yet, but they understand a lot.

Let them know that the end is near. Tell them how proud you are of how they’ve grown, what they’ve learned, and what they can do. Explain that as children grow, they no longer need to breastfeed. Emphasize all the great things that they can do and how exciting it is that they’re growing up.

Of course, not all toddlers are ready for this kind of talk. If these conversations about the future seem to elicit a negative reaction or anxiety, it’s OK to hold off on these discussions. Instead, keep the focus on the positive and wait until they’re a little older and you’re a little closer to things winding down before you talk about stopping breastfeeding.

Don’t feel like you need to rush this. Allow for time to adjust to the idea. Weaning works better — both for their emotional response and your health — when done gradually. While you may not be feeding as often as you once were, a slow decrease helps avoid engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis.

You may have a solid schedule of feeding times, or you may still be breastfeeding on demand and when your baby seeks comfort or soothing. Instead of automatically heading for the couch at your designated morning session, wait to see whether your toddler asks to breastfeed.

If they ask, go ahead, but if they’re more interested in playing with the cat or trying the new cereal you recently bought, go with it. You may find that your schedule decreases considerably simply by allowing new things to take the place of nursing sessions.

Often toddlers are busy throughout the day but like to get in a long breastfeeding session before naps and bedtime to relax. Again, talk to your toddler about what’s happening, and put a limit on how long these sessions will last.

To avoid any back and forth about when you’re done, set a timer. Perhaps that means breastfeeding for 15 minutes, reading a favorite book, then putting them to bed. After a week or two, decrease the time to 10 minutes, followed by a book and a song, then bed.

You can continue to slowly decrease the breastfeeding time, replacing it with other activities your toddler enjoys. Once they know they’ll still get that undivided attention from you, they’re more likely to let go of the feeds more easily.

If you’re as busy as most parents are, you’ve likely nursed in all sorts of interesting places. As you’re weaning, instead of taking the show on the road, start to limit where breastfeeding is available.

Maybe this means only at home for a while, followed by only in the bedroom. Toddlers with FOMO don’t like to know the world is happening out there without them, so they’re likely to respond with shorter feeds if they’re forced to stop what they’re doing and leave the action.

You can also limit the timing. This could mean telling your toddler that bedtime is for them, you, and breastfeeding. They’re welcome to feed before the lights go out, but once that happens, it’s not an option.

You’re likely to get some push back if overnight feedings have been part of their routine. If so, consider sending in your partner or a helper for night wakings so that breastfeeding isn’t an option.

As mentioned before, it’s important to replace the time spent together nursing with something that provides that special time for you and your little one. What this can look like depends on lots of things, such as the time of day, your toddler’s likes and dislikes, and more.

Consider swapping breastfeeding sessions for:

  • an extra story
  • an extra song
  • a special bedtime routine
  • doing an activity together, such as a puzzle or game
  • a big-kid snack, like a cup of milk or handful of cereal
  • a walk around the block
  • a phone call to a grandparent or friend

If you’re ready to transition from a crib to a bed or preparing for another pregnancy, it might seem like a good time to just knock it all out at once. However, toddlers thrive on routine, and too many changes at once can equal tears and tantrums.

If you’re going through other life changes or your toddler is sick, take some time to work through those changes before you begin weaning.

This one might be necessary for resistant or stubborn toddlers who aren’t particularly interested in explanations of why you’re cutting back on breastfeeding. How you handle this depends on your circumstances.

If your little one likes to nurse off and on all night, try putting on a sleep bra or extra layers of clothing before bed. When they wake, you can reassure them and rub their back, but let them know that your breasts aren’t available.

Some moms cover their nipples with large bandages and tell their children that they’re unable to nurse as a result — but count on your babe demanding some bandages of their own! Other moms rub vinegar onto their nipples so that the taste is unpleasant when an insistent toddler attempts to feed.

And sometimes you have to remove yourself from the equation. Encourage your partner to take over the bedtime routine, whether for a night or the foreseeable future. Go out of town or stay with a friend for a night.

Know that no specific time is the “right” time to wean your toddler.

While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests breastfeeding for “1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant” and the World Health (WHO) suggests “continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond,” those are just guidelines.

Each breastfeeding pair has to find the path that works for their partnership. After all, that’s what breastfeeding is in many ways — a partnership. You and your baby have grown together, through latching difficulties, sleepless nights, and many quiet (and not-so-quiet) feeding sessions.

In some cases, breastfeeding comes to an end very naturally. As time goes by, your little one may begin showing less interest in breastfeeding as they’re busy exploring the world, and your feeding sessions may slowly begin to shorten and fade over time.

Taking a few steps as suggested above might ease the transition, allowing you both a peaceful end to this time.

However, in other cases, the end isn’t so simple.

Sometimes you’re both happy to keep breastfeeding, but other people in your life, such as your partner, parent, or friends, begin to make you feel like you should stop.

Feel free to remind them that extended breastfeeding is normal and natural. Remember that while they’re entitled to their opinion, you’re capable of making this decision for yourself.

Other times, extended breastfeeding starts to shift from a welcome connection to your little one to a daily struggle. Sometimes it reaches a point of feeling like you’re always on call and expected to show up with your breasts available, and it can start to feel like an imposition.

You may want to spend a night out with friends, have an undisturbed night of sleep, or simply feel fully in control of your own body again — and that’s OK. Feeling ready to wean your toddler doesn’t make you a bad parent.

When children are being particularly difficult, you’ll often hear others say that it’s just a phase. Indeed, many of the biggest joys and challenges of parenting are moments that feel long while you’re in the middle of them but are fleeting in the course of a lifetime.

This is also true for breastfeeding. It’s a phase that’s not meant to last forever, and it’s normal and healthy to decide — at a time that feels right to you — that you’re ready for it to end.

It might be a struggle, and you might face some tears (both your and your little one’s). But take heart that you’ve done something amazing together, and these challenges reflect that. It’s difficult when beautiful things come to an end, but there’s other beauty ahead for you and your toddler, too.

Termination of breastfeeding | Stopping breastfeeding

When is it time to stop breastfeeding and what is the best way to do it? Read our article for useful practical tips on weaning.

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How long should breastfeeding continue? Three months? Six? Year? Or maybe a few years?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other authorities recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and then continue to be breastfed along with other foods (complementary foods) for at least two years. nine0011 1

The fact is that breast milk is not just food. It is a natural sedative if the child is anxious or tired. In addition, milk contains immune-boosting components, the amount of which increases dramatically when the baby gets sick. 2

According to anthropologists, the natural age of a person to stop breastfeeding is even more than two years. Given factors such as tooth development, body weight, comparison with other primates, and historical evidence, some scientists believe that breastfeeding may last up to two to four years. A number of researchers even believe that our ancestors breastfed children up to six or seven years of age. nine0011 3

Today, more than 60% of mothers in developed countries start giving their babies formula or complementary foods before six months of age, 4 although WHO does not recommend this.

When is it time to stop breastfeeding?

Weaning means that you gradually stop breastfeeding your baby. Ideally, the first step in this process is the gradual introduction of complementary foods, starting at about six months of age. In this case, breastfeeding continues. The weaning process continues until the mother's milk has been completely replaced by other foods and drinks. nine0003

“After six months, the baby needs higher doses of certain nutrients, such as iron, zinc, vitamins B and D, that he cannot get from breast milk or from his own reserves,” says Sarah Beeson, health visitor from Great Britain.

“But solid food should at first only supplement the main diet with breast milk and gradually replace it. Mother's milk remains the main source of nutrition for the baby for many months to come.” nine0003

On average, a seven-month-old baby gets 93% of its calories from breast milk. And even between the 11th and 16th months, milk provides him with about half of the daily calorie intake. 5

“Sometimes moms think that breastmilk isn't that important once a baby has started solid foods, but the truth is, no matter how many months old a baby is, there's nothing better than your milk,” continues Sarah.

In fact, the process of finishing breastfeeding can take as long as mother and baby want. “When to stop breastfeeding is up to you,” says Sarah. The only thing that matters is what you think is right for you and your child.” nine0003

How to wean

Whenever you decide to start weaning your baby, it's best to do it gradually. An abrupt cessation of breastfeeding can lead to lactostasis, blockage of the milk ducts and mastitis, and in a child such a sudden change can adversely affect the state of the digestive and immune systems. In addition, it will be difficult for both of you psychologically.

When should I stop breastfeeding?

Sometimes mothers mistakenly believe that it is time to stop breastfeeding, when in fact there is no reason to. If you're returning to work, breastfeeding can be a great way to stay close to your baby during this difficult time for both of you. You can express milk at work, and morning and evening feeding sessions will give you the opportunity to spend time alone with your baby. If you need to leave without your baby, you can also express milk and bring or send it home. nine0003

If you get sick, this is not always a reason to stop breastfeeding. Read our advice in the article on breastfeeding when sick and consult with your healthcare professional.

Weaning up to six months

If you cannot continue breastfeeding until six months and want to try weaning your baby, start by replacing one feeding a day with a bottle of formula.

“It's best to start with midday feedings. Babies are very alert and able to smell breast milk nearby, so ask your partner or relative to give your baby a bottle when you're in the other room,” Sarah advises. nine0003

“Be hygienic when preparing food. Be prepared for the fact that the baby will take fewer servings of expressed milk per day than if he was fed directly from the breast. Don't make him eat more milk than he wants."

You will probably feel that your breasts are fuller and more tender. This is due to the fact that your body is rebuilding to produce less milk. If this creates discomfort, try expressing some milk—just enough to relieve the discomfort without stimulating extra production. nine0003

When your body adjusts to the new volume - usually after a few days - replace with formula for one more meal a day. Continue this until you have changed all feedings and your baby is completely weaned.

“I had complications after my first birth, as a result I lost a lot of weight very quickly, and besides, I developed mastitis. Lactation was very weak, and at three months I was forced to stop breastfeeding,” recalls Jennifer, a mother of two from the UK, “I gradually replaced one feeding, so physically it was easy, but mentally it was hard for me.” nine0003

If you want to maintain closeness with your baby and all the health benefits of breastfeeding, but still need to cut down on breastfeeding, try partial weaning, replacing only a few feeds a day with formula.

Weaning after six months

Once your baby starts eating solid foods (about six months old), you will notice that breastfeeding naturally occurs less and less. For a year, it can be reduced to just a couple of times a day, and feedings will be replaced by full meals and healthy snacks. nine0003

Anyway, if you intend to continue to reduce breastfeeding, do it gradually, replacing one feeding at a time. Use formula milk if your baby is under 12 months old. With cow's milk, you should wait at least up to a year.

“When I decided to wean my son, I breastfed him three times a day and gave him other foods three times plus light snacks. Gradually, I replaced all breastfeedings with formula. By 11 months, we had only one nighttime breastfeed left,” says Ruth, a UK mom. nine0003

There are various ways to distract a child from changes in his diet. Some mothers suggest that instead of breastfeeding something to drink and eat together to maintain a sense of closeness. You can also change your daily routine, play your favorite game, or replace feeding with caresses - from you or from your partner. Some children take longer to get used to the new food, but in the end everything falls into place. If you are having difficulty weaning, ask your healthcare provider for advice. nine0003

Ending breastfeeding naturally

Ending breastfeeding can be guided by the baby's wishes. This is called baby-initiated weaning, or the natural termination of breastfeeding. Such a process is likely to be long and gradual. Month after month, the feeding sessions will become shorter and less frequent, until one day the child completely loses interest in the breast.

“My daughter stopped breastfeeding on her own when she was four years old,” says Sarah, a mother from the UK. And once, when we were on vacation, she seemed to just forget about her breasts. Now, six months later, she sometimes still asks for breasts, but she already knows that there is no milk there. nine0003

You will have a huge amount of time for the body to adapt, so there should be no discomfort or swelling of the breast. However, you may find it difficult emotionally, so spend more time petting and bonding with your baby.

“Child-initiated termination of breastfeeding was right for me because I never gave my son formula or a bottle. I didn’t want to abruptly stop feeding and refuse him,” recalls Kelly, a mother from the UK, “He himself lost interest in breasts at the age of two and a half years. For us, it was the best scenario, although emotionally it was not very easy for me.” nine0003

What if you need to stop breastfeeding quickly?

It is best not to stop breastfeeding abruptly, but sometimes it is necessary for medical reasons or because you cannot be near the baby.

If you have been breastfeeding your baby up to this point, you will most likely have to express your milk to avoid breast swelling. Some mothers prefer to use a breast pump for this, others find it easier to express milk manually. You only need to pump a little, just to eliminate the discomfort, otherwise your body will take it as a signal to produce more milk. nine0003

At first, the breasts may swell and become tender, but this will pass. Breast milk contains a so-called feedback lactation inhibitor. When breastfeeding is stopped, this inhibitor tells your body to slow down milk production, but it can take days or even weeks for your breasts to rebuild.

Certain medications can relieve pain and should be discussed with your doctor. Always follow your pharmacist's instructions or directions, and consult your healthcare professional before taking any medication. nine0003

“I had to abruptly stop breastfeeding when my daughter was eight months old because she had to take strong painkillers,” says Peggy, a mother from Switzerland. “It was very difficult because the baby was constantly looking for a breast and crying. I held her tightly to me as I gave her a bottle. This calmed her, and after a month everything was all right.

Can I continue breastfeeding if I want to get pregnant again?

Breastfeeding is a natural contraceptive. However, this method is not the most reliable, especially after six months or if you are not exclusively breastfeeding. This means that you can get pregnant even while you are breastfeeding. nine0003

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers sometimes receive conflicting advice about whether to stop breastfeeding. Consistent feeding of two children of different ages is of course possible, and with the advent of the second baby, your body will produce the kind of milk that both of them need.

It is not uncommon for an older child to refuse to breastfeed or skip feedings if the mother is pregnant. This may be due to changes in milk composition that occur during pregnancy. Milk can change the taste and become less sweet. nine0011 6 If your baby is under one year of age when he starts to stop breastfeeding, make sure he continues to gain weight.

Talk to your doctor if you want to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy, but have had a preterm birth or miscarriage, or have any bleeding in the past.

If you need medical help to conceive, certain drugs and procedures may not be suitable while you are breastfeeding. Discuss all possible options before deciding to stop breastfeeding. nine0003

And finally...

Whenever you decide to end breastfeeding, and whatever method you choose to do so, be kind to yourself and your baby. This is a huge change for both of you physically, hormonally, and emotionally, so proceed thoughtfully and carefully.

“Although my body responded normally to stopping breastfeeding, it was psychologically difficult for me. The thing that united us for so long is over, - Jane, a mother of two children from the USA, shares her impressions, - I worked long hours, five days a week, and breastfeeding made me feel that I occupy a special place in the lives of children. But when it stopped, we soon found other ways to be together.” nine0003

Literature

1 World Health Organization. [Internet] Health Topics: Breastfeeding: 2018 [Accessed: 02/08/2018]. Available from : http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en - World Health Organization. "Health Issues: Breastfeeding" [Internet]. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO; 2018 [Visit 02/08/2018]. Article linked: http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/e

2 Hassiotou et al. Maternal and infant infections stimulate a rapid leukocyte response in breastmilk. Clin Transl Immunology. 2013;2(4): e 3. - Hassiot F. et al., "Infectious diseases of the mother and child stimulate a rapid leukocyte reaction in breast milk." Clean Transl Immunology. 2013;2(4):e3.

3 Dettwyler KA. When to wean: biological versus cultural perspectives. Clin Obstet Gynecol . 2004; 47(3)712-723. - Dettwiler KA, "Time to wean: weaning from a biological and cultural point of view". Klin Obstet Ginekol (Clinical obstetrics and gynecology). 2004; 47(3):712-723.

4 Victora CG Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet. nine0131 2016;387(10017):475-490. - Victor S.J. et al., Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms and long-term effects. Lancet 2016;387(10017):475-490.

5 Dewey KG et al. Breast milk volume and composition during late lactation (7-20 months). J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr . 1984;3(5):713-720. — Dewey C.G. et al., "Amount and composition of breast milk in late lactation (7-20 months)". nine0131 F Pediatrician Gastroenterol Nutr. 1984;3(5):713-720.

6 Prosser CG et al. Mammary gland function during gradual weaning and early gestation in women. Aust J Exp Biol Med 9021 9029 Sci. 1984;62( Pt 2):215-228. - Prosser S.G. et al., "Breast Function During Gradual Weaning and Early Gestation." Aust J Exp Biol Med Sai. nineteen84;62( Pt 2):215-228.

Doctor "SM-Doctor" told how to properly wean a child from the breast

The baby is crying, the chest is full, but you are determined to curtail breastfeeding. There can be many reasons: it's time to go to work, it's time to send the child to the garden, the state of health, and even "I just decided so."

Weaning can be a real test of strength for the whole family: there are times when children completely refuse to give up their breasts and simply tyrannize their mother, almost tearing off her clothes. Is it possible to avoid problems along the way? How to make the process as comfortable as possible for mom and baby? Parents.ru learned from an expert what mistakes mothers make when weaning a baby. nine0003

Tatyana Kuznetsova
pediatrician, nephrologist, breastfeeding consultant at the SM-Doctor clinic in Maryina Roshcha.

Too early

Breastfeeding is a very short period in a child's life. It would be ideal to supplement the child until the age when his need for attachments fades by itself. The age at which the child himself, without mother's help and serious efforts on her part, is ready to give up breastfeeding usually comes after three years. Mom's body is ready to complete lactation earlier - already in 1.5-2 years of the baby. nine0003

Completion of lactation at an earlier date is not physiological and, as a rule, is associated with errors and diseases:

  • rare feedings,
  • by adding water,
  • early feeding,
  • cracked nipples,
  • lactostasis,
  • mastitis and, as a result, lack of milk and underweight of the child,
  • or maternal health problems. nine0278

Weaning before 1-1.5 years is possible, both planned and emergency, and, as a rule, there are good reasons for this: hospitalization of the mother, the need to take medications that are incompatible with feeding the child, situations in the family that require the mother to leave, and others unseen circumstances.

Too fast

First of all, it is very important to determine how ready a particular mother-baby couple is to complete breastfeeding. The readiness of the mother's body is easy to determine. The main indicator is how the breast is filled with milk during a long (up to 12-24 hours) break in the attachment of the baby. If a mother has not fed her child for several hours, and her breasts do not fill up to discomfort and do not need to be pumped, then the mother is ready. nine0003

As for the baby, it is considered that the child is ready if he has only 1-3 attachments per day and at the same time he does not suck on nipples (pacifiers, bottles), pens, toys, rags, clothes, bottom sponge and other. In all other cases, it is necessary to gradually reduce the number of applications to 1-3 per day, and only then take the last step.

If the baby is already 1.5 years old, you can try to prepare him for weaning gradually. For this, children older than one and a half years require at least two months. Smooth weaning consists of several stages, each of which can take about 1-2 weeks. nine0003

  • Cut down on latching while your baby is awake, remove 'bored latching'. Do not provoke the baby: do not change clothes in front of him, do not walk in underwear, do not sit idle in the presence of the child.
  • Put your baby to bed without breastfeeding.
  • Next, remove the evening falling asleep under the breasts. First, take the breast from the baby if he fell asleep after pumping, but still holds it in his mouth.

Get up early in the morning before your child. Distract to extraneous things, offer to play, look out the window. One fine day, the baby will simply forget to breastfeed in the morning. nine0003

In the gradual process of weaning, the most important thing is not to rush things and follow the rule "one step forward, two steps back." Then your weaning will be smooth and painless.

Too radical

Among mothers, extremely traumatic methods of weaning a child from the breast are still practiced - “pulling the breast”, taking drugs that suppress lactation, lubricating the nipples with brilliant green or mustard, leaving home for a day or two / weekends. As a result, this leads to hormonal imbalance, lactostasis and even mastitis in mothers and serious psychological trauma in children. For a child, weaning is a very difficult period in life, and the mother must be there, compensating for the lack of breasts with her attention, affection and care. nine0003

It is also important to take into account that the time of weaning should not coincide with a vacation, a move, a mother's going to work or a baby in a kindergarten, the appearance of a nanny in the house, a child's teething, a baby's illness. In this case, it is better to wean the child 2-3 months before the planned event, or 2-3 months after.
The cessation of breastfeeding should not take place simultaneously with the resettlement of the baby in a separate bed, especially a room. With this it is better to wait 3-4 months. And another factor that you should pay attention to is the psycho-emotional state of the baby. If he is now having a difficult period, he is rebellious or often naughty, it is also better to wait a bit with excommunication. nine0003


Too dangerous

Stopping breastfeeding at a stage when the mother’s body is not yet ready for this can lead to serious consequences for her health. In the best case, the mother will be forced to pump regularly for some time. There may also be pain, engorgement of the mammary glands, the development of lactostasis, which is quite difficult for a mother to cope with without the help of a baby. In addition, such an unplanned hormonal restructuring by the body can provoke the development of depressive conditions, as well as prolonged (up to several years!) The release of milk from the mammary glands after the cessation of breastfeeding. nine0003

What if…

…doesn't work

By reducing the number of daytime attachments, nighttime attachments may become longer and more frequent for a while. If after a couple of weeks the situation does not change, this most likely means that the child is still difficult to come to terms with such restrictions. In such a situation with weaning, it may be better to wait.

When a baby begins to suck on his thumb, bottom lip, or anything else, these symptoms cannot be ignored. Your baby is not yet ready to stop breastfeeding. Moreover, this behavior of the baby suggests that it is very difficult for him to come to terms with the ongoing changes, he suffers very much internally. And if you do not treat such a quiet protest of a little man with understanding, this can seriously affect the baby's nervous system in the future. nine0267

... the baby himself refused milk until the age of

This cannot be regarded as a physiological event.

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