when can I stop breast feeding?

Question

My baby is 2 1/2 months old and i want to stop breast feeding her, is it ok to do that?

Answer 1

Like most of the other answers' stated, you can stop whenever you chose. However, it is recommended you breastfeed your baby for the first year of their life, if this is not possible then try reaching for the six month mark. I'm sure there are alot of factors as to why you are thinking of stopping, but in the long run your baby will benefit more if you keep her on breastmilk. Breastmilk has alot more nutrients and antigens that help her fight off infection and disease, not to mention it saves on time and money. You dont have to be washing bottles and buying formula. I remember reading somewhere, that even if you breastfed your baby for 3 months it still protects her from getting ear infections for about 3 years! If you dont feel like you are producing enough to keep up with her appetite, you can always supplement it with formula. Feed her from the breast, then at the next feeding give her a bottle of formula, and keep it that way until you slowly stop producing.
I breastfed my baby till he was about 6 months old, I had to go back to work when he was 3 1/2 months old and I was pumping at work and slowly my milk stopped flowing.
But I say, try breastfeeding for as long as you can, the baby will truely benefit greatly!

Good luck
=)

Answer 2

Why do you want to stop?

Congratulations because you've given your little one a great start already. And you've probably just gotten through the toughest part of breastfeeding. (The first 6 weeks or so are usually the hardest with getting things established and lots of growth spurts close together.) It should be getting easier and more enjoyable after this point.

Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing for AT LEAST the first 12 months?

Your baby and you both benefit from EVERY DROP of your milk that you're willing to give her. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefits are.

Know that you don't have to completely wean. There are plenty of moms out there who combine the breast and bottle in order to find a balance that works for their family.

Answer 3

its actually best to stay with breast feeding for 6-8 months give the baby immunity longer. if you really feel the need to, slowly introduce bottle feeding inbetween each feed. this article has some great tips on parenting and baby needs

Answer 4

You can stop breastfeeding when ever you want, but it is known to be healthier to breast feed a baby because ur immune system helps the baby through your breastmilk and it helps the baby with ear infections. Have you thought of pumping? Y do you want to stop? Is it uncomfortable? Inconvinient for you? It is said that up to a year can help a baby with colds and ear infections, but you can stop when ever you want to.

Answer 5

Absolutely. You can stop anytime you want. My grandaughter is 2 months now. My daughter started her on fourmula at around 6 weeks because she couldn't keep up with the babies appetite. She would feed her one bottle formual and one breast milk until she couldn't produce enough anymore and her baby is perfect as will yours be.

Answer 6

It is suggested that you continue until the baby is a year so that she gets the full benefits of the breast milk. Even if you have to supplement it with formula because you have to go back to work, it's still good to breastfeed, even if it's just part of the time.

Answer 7

Why do you want to stop? I think its always ok to stop although I think your baby would receive substantial benefits up through 12 months. But already, your baby has gotten more breastfeeding than most kids. And you have a very special bond with your baby.

Answer 8

You can stop whenever you want. I personally chose to breastfeed all 4 of my kids until their first tooth came in then I stopped because in all honesty who wants sharp teeth piercing such a sensitive area?! If you want to stop start cutting out some of the feedings and switching to bottles of formula.

Answer 9

Yes. If you want to stop, just talk with her pediatrician first to find out what formula is recommended. You will need to transition her over to formula. Of course, you'll hear breast is best, and it is... But, if you don't want to breast feed, then it's not for you, and that's okay.

Answer 10

Rule of thumb is to breasfeed for at least a year or as long as you can. Not everybody is able to breasfeed that long. A lot of facts can influence such as working, stress and production decrease. Also some babies wean themselves...