How do I stop breastfeeding?

Question

My daughter is 6 months old and I'm thinking of stopping breastfeeding sometime soon. Up until now she's refused bottles but is now suddenly accepting them. I guess my question is is it better to gradually replace 1 breastfeed a day with a bottle, or to just stop breastfeeding completely. Also how long does it take for the milk to dry up? I'd appreciate any ideas or experiences you'd like to share.

Answer 1

Congratulations for making it to 6 months, Mama. As a breastfeeding mother myself (I'm still nursing my 13 month old son) I understand the commitment it takes.

My understanding about weaning is that it's best for it to be a gradual thing. I was recently talking to the ladies at my La Leche League meetings and they all use the 'don't offer but don't refuse' method. But they are weaning babies over the age of 1, when formula doesn't have to be substituted. When it comes to bottles and formula I think it is also a slow transition. Perhaps replace one feeding with formula from a bottle for one week, then two feedings with a bottle the next, then three the next... and so on.

As far as how long it takes for the milk to dry up ~ it varies. One woman I know was recently telling me that she's still lactating (small amounts) 6 months after weaning. And I've read that some take up to two years to stop producing minute amounts of milk. There is a tea that I saw called No More Milk Tea by Earth Mama Angel Baby at kidbean.com

Hope this helped.

Here are a couple links that might provide you with more information as well.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/weaning_faqs.html
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T026400.asp

Best wishes. And congrats on breastfeeding you little one... you're providing her with the best start!

Answer 2

Well, to wean you had better do it a little bit at a time, or you potentially risk contracting a bad and painful bout of mastitis. Weaning during breastfeeding not only implies the baby...but yourself. How long will it take to dry up? Depends on you. Each person is different. It usually doesn't take too long. You could potentially replace the breast with the bottle with the child, faster than you can dry up. Just trust how you feel. 6 months is really young for weaning, btw! It is recommended to breastfeed from a year to 3. The child is under major cognitive development at this point and breast feeding is a heck of a lot better than any replacement. Although, I do understand the issue with time and sleep. Feeding the child solids (cereal, etc) before bed time helped in giving me sleep time--4 to 7 hours. I also understand if you have to work.

Answer 3

PLEASE do not stop "cold turkey." That is very hard on your baby and on your body. Remember that breastfeeding is about more than food to her. It's about comfort and being close to mom as well. It is very cruel and stressful to take it away all at once. Also, quitting all at once makes you more likely to experience engorgement, plugged ducts and possibly mastitis.

Better to wean slowly and gently. This gives her time to adjust, lets your body step down production slowly and also lets your hormones adjust better.

If you wean this early, you'll need to give her bottles of pumped milk or formula instead. (And of course the fact that she'll accept bottles now means that you can possibly combine both if you want!)

A good way to slowly wean is to eliminate one feeding about every 3-7 days. Replace that with a bottle. If you are still getting engorged between feedings, then you're going too quickly. The feedings baby is most attached to (usually last one before bed and first one in the morning.....but you know your child best) are the last ones to cut out.

Check out the link below.

Answer 4

Congrats for breastfeeding this long! It's hard, hard work but very rewarding. From my research in reading, and what I plan to do when my son is a few months older, I would gradually replace the breasfeeding with bottles of expressed breastmilk, then supplementing with formula, then with some solids, like cereal. This will decrease your milk supply (resulting in less pain for you) and allow your daughter's physical, nutritional and emotional needs to adjust and adapt in a more seamless manner. I think it varies woman to woman on how long it takes to dry up...

Answer 5

i ended with my daughter at 14 and a one million/2 months-I merely stopped as i became one million/2 way with the aid of my 2d being pregnant and additionally she wasn't even feeding for long throughout the evening so i concept i might provide up so theres much less fuss as quickly as the toddler comes My 2d is now 17 months and im nonetheless breastfeeding him and we the two like it. i in my view do no longer choose to provide up inspite of the undeniable fact that it yet he would be ultimately turning 2 quickly so i plan on combating by making use of around that element and then ill attempt to particular and supply him some interior the bottle or regardless of.

Answer 6

congrats of breastfeeding for 6 months!
are you sure you want to give it up? you could get a good breastpump and pump and give her a bottle... just something to think about-it may not be for you- it is alot of work
if you do stop altogether I would slowly wean her gradually b/c your milk takes a while to dry up and you can get clogged milk ducts.

Answer 7

Gradual is best. But I would continue nursing her if I were you. It's best to nurse as long as possible. My doctor said that the current recommendation is 1 year. After 6 months start slowly introducing iron rich foods starting with rice cereal. She'll need your breast milk during the next 6 months to protect her from colds and allergies to new foods you plan to introduce.

Answer 8

the american academy of pediatric and the world health organization now recommend breastfeeding for a minimum of one year. you're considering weaning too early. there are soooo many health benefits ~ intellectual, emotional, psychological and immunity wise for baby to continue nursing from her mother. reconsider weaning. it's too soon. but i do think it's great you've breastfed this long. most american mothers don't try or wean after only a couple of weeks or months.

Answer 9

It is your daughter's fundamental right to get your breast. Why you want to deprive her from this. Try to offer it atleast one year. After that try slowly to stop it. Or she may automatically stop it gradually. As that time you have to give her some solids. Do not worry.

Answer 10

I cant stop either. When i see a nice pair, i curl up in the fetal position and cry, hoping for the best. I`m not proud of it, dont get me wrong. The shame i live with is unbearable. Good luck.