How to Wean Off the Breast

Breastfeeding can be an important feeding and bonding experience for both mothers and children. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding a baby until at least the first birthday, and the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding a baby for two years or longer. When the time comes to discontinue breastfeeding, wean off the breast gently -- and with love -- to ensure a positive transition for both the child and the mother.

Instructions

1

Determine what will replace the breast milk in the baby's diet. If the baby is less than one year, you will need to replace breast milk with formula in a bottle. If the baby is over one year, you can replace breast milk with whole milk in a cup. Get the necessary supplies and foods to feed baby, as you begin making the transition away from breastfeeding.

2

Decrease the number breastfeedings with the baby by one, per week. For example, if you normally breastfeed a baby four times in 24 hours, reduce this to three times for one week. KidsHealth.org recommends dropping the midday feed first, because this feed may be one of the most inconvenient feeds -- especially for moms who work.

3

Replace the dropped feeding with formula from a bottle or a light meal and milk from a cup.

4

Watch for engorgement, as your body adjusts to the dropped feeding. You may notice that you feel slightly fuller, but as long as you only reduce breastfeeding by one feed over the week, your body should adjust without difficulty.

5

Give your child additional love and snuggle time to help the child accept the weaning without stress.

6

Decrease the daily feedings by one more over the following week, following the same process of replacement with formula or food and milk.

7

Continue decreasing one feeding per week, until you have one feeding per 24-hour-period left. Many moms choose to eliminate the bedtime feeding las,t because this feeding is often a special, cuddling feeding that children and moms enjoy. Replace this feeding with a special activity that helps your child over the adjustment -- sit in a rocking chair and read a special book or sing a sweet bedtime song before you tuck your child into bed.