So, what about weaning?
Whether it's by choice or necessity, we all inevitably stop breastfeeding. Unfortunately our babies grow and get older. Whether it happens at 3 months or 3 years, the process is still significant - physically and emotionally. So, what does weaning look like? How do you stop breastfeeding?
Reasons for weaning
The reasons are ultimately endless and extremely personal. But, some of you may be wondering - why is there a post about this & why would someone want/need information on weaning? Well, any reason to stop breastfeeding is valid and it can be a daunting thought. We think how will my baby respond? How do I avoid mastitis? Am I ready to accept that my baby is aging? etc. However, when a mom makes the decision to wean with all the support and information she needs, then it’s the right decision. Period. Moms know what's best for their families! While still emotional, there should never be any guilt or shame associated with a mom making good decisions for her family.
Maternal medical conditions (ie. starting chemo)
Infant loss
Met breastfeeding goal
Mom has a personal desire to end or decrease breastfeeding (this can be an exciting and/or sad time - wanting more flexibility, it is a source of stress, trying to conceive quickly, infant allergies/intolerances, etc)
Baby is leading (most commonly naturally occurs at 2+ years of age)
Various ways to wean
Since clearly there are so many reasons for weaning there are also many paths a mom can take to establish a weaning plan. We will take a deeper dive into these. Just to get you started here are some ways you can approach weaning:
Natural: when a mom nurses as long as the child desires until the nursing relationship gradually ends (again this naturally occurs most commonly >2 years of age). There is little to no intervention on the moms behalf to end the nursing relationship
Abrupt: when breastfeeding ends quicker than anticipated. This is typically best suited for the mom that has to stop for her health.
Planned: when a mom chooses to wean her baby at a certain time before her child leads.
Partial: when a baby has begun taking a decreased amount of breastmilk and an increased amount of supplementation (baby is still breastfed but also formula fed… commonly called combo feeding)
So what if I have to wean? (abruptly)
Depending on where you are in your breastfeeding journey impacts this. It is best to not completely and suddenly stop expressing milk, especially if you are producing a full milk supply (>24 oz per day). Going cold turkey can be a recipe for mastitis, plugged ducts, and a significant amount of discomfort. Reach out to an IBCLC if you do need a plan to wean ASAP. The need for this is typically rare, so if it is recommended by someone it may be helpful to get a second opinion.
Understand that this is a process even if you want it to happen quickly; getting mastitis from not expressing milk often exacerbates an already tough time
Cool compress and ibuprofen for relief is helpful. Try these.
Some moms swear by placing refrigerated cabbage leaves in your bra.
Pump to relieve pain and not much else
Be sure always continue watching your baby and following their hunger cues for supplementation
So what if I want to wean? (planned/partial)
For example: your baby is 1 year old and you want to decrease the frequency of nursing as you begin cows milk, you want to begin supplementing with formula to give yourself more freedom/flexibility, you’ve been nursing your toddler and want to implement new boundaries, or any of the millions of reasons why a mom may want to wean
Slow and steady wins the race - majority of moms say that weaning takes longer than they expected. The moms that wean slowly, typically report they’re the happiest with how the experience went especially as it related to discomfort/engorgement.
If you plan to supplement with formula, it may be helpful to maintain your supply while you introduce the formula. This will prevent you from losing your supply in the event your baby doesn’t respond well to the change or it takes time to find a formula that works well for both of you.
Begin by dropping one feeding or pumping session of your choice. If your body cannot handle this adjustment initially, pump enough to relieve comfort that will hold you over till the next feeding or consider adjusting the time of the next feeding sooner.
From here, I recommend taking it as it comes and listening to your body and your child. Luckily, you have a lot of control over the situation! The more stimulation and milk removal that happens, the slower the process will be. The less stimulation and milk removal, the faster the process will be. A good starting place is to plan to drop 1 session per week and see how it goes and how your body responds. Again, you are in control. If you are uncomfortable, express milk. If you want to speed it up, you can! It’s all about whatever works for you, your baby, and your family.
Begin offering your baby or child something in the place of your breast for comfort (a lovey, snuggles, quality time, or even a snack for older children)
Always, always hand express or pump some milk off if you are in pain. Just a little bit of milk expression will not derail your weaning plan.
I want to let my child wean his or herself
This one is easy to discuss! Both of you can continue the nursing relationship as long as it is mutually desired. One day, sadly, your child will no longer need you in that way. But, take heart because they will continue to need you in other ways!
Miscellaneous Weaning Tips and Tidbits
The process of weaning a child causes a shift in hormones, this shift may cause you to become emotional. Moms also have noted they began to breakout or experienced varying levels of depression/anxiety.
Don’t offer, but don’t refuse can be a great weaning strategy.
Avoid binders as they may contribute to plugged ducts or mastitis
You can try supplements/oils like peppermint or sage.