How to stop breastfeeding

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies recommend that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, followed by complementary foods, until they reach, at least, two years of age.

When should I stop breastfeeding my baby?

When you and your baby decide. It is your choice and no one else's. Breast milk continues to provide a nutritional and nurturing effect on your baby. Breast milk is not just a food. In addition to being a natural painkiller if your little one is feeling anxious or tired, they feel protected and reassured on mom's chest.

Respectful weaning consists of gradually stopping to breastfeed your baby in order to avoid a negative emotional impact on you and your baby.

How to  stop breastfeeding?

This is something that should happen gradually and progressively, as opposed to abruptly. When  we speak of respectful weaning we refer to discontinuing the breastfeeding journey in a  way that causes the least possible impact for your baby and yourself. Discontinuing this process gradually not only  prevents breast engorgement and mastitis; but also makes this chapter between you and your baby easier to close, emotionally speaking. 

Some techniques that you can apply are:

• Only breastfeed your baby if they ask for your breast specifically. If they don’t ask for it, don't offer it. 
• Breastfeeding should not be the only method of consoling your baby. 
• Try to distract your baby when they want to breastfeed, if your not up for it, with hugs, kisses, games, going outside for a walk; whatever it takes to take their mind off breastfeeding.
• Substitute one breastfeeding session a day with a cup of milk, formula, or your mealtime of choice (breakfast - lunch - dinner- snacks).
• Ask for help from your partner, family, or additional caregiver. Your baby will probably reject a bottle if you offer it, but  is more likely to accept it from other people. This can be especially useful for a baby used to a nighttime feed.
• Shorten feeding times and combine with complimentary foods. 
• Have a feeding schedule and stick to it. 

There are children who spontaneously stop breastfeeding, that is, they naturally decrease feeding times. It is not the most frequent thing, but it happens and varies with age. 

Remember breastfeeding is a personal choice and when you decide to stop just remember to do it gradually and patiently.

Written by: Dr. Diana Jimenez, pediatrician specialized in child nutrition, lactation, and child development.