8 Steps to Weaning from breastfeeding and/or pumping when you and your baby are ready.

Whenever and why-ever it’s time to stop breastfeeding, we have some tips that can make it more positive and (at least a little) easier on you both. The tips below are designed both for reluctant weaners, and for those who are OMG-SO-READY to stop. 

Remember that whatever you choose, it’s OK, you’re still feeding your kid in other ways (formula or food), and you’re doing fine.

1. Don’t rush it (Part 1). Only you and your baby (or child, if they’re older) will know when it’s time for breastfeeding to stop. Older generations had specific rules regarding ages that breastfeeding should end, but now, it’s much more flexible. If the two of you are still enjoying the process at one year old, or two years old, don’t feel that you need to stop because your mother-in-law told you so.
2. Don’t rush it (Part 2). It doesn’t have to happen overnight. If you can, try to take your time. Drop one feeding first -- the one that has the least impact on both of you. If you drop one feed a week or one feed a month, that’s fine. 
3. If you’re ready, you’re ready; kick the guilt to the curb. We know, we said don’t rush it. But that doesn’t mean you need to prolong it. If you’re ready to say farewell to breastfeeding, you aren’t doing anything wrong. It’s ok to be done, no matter how old your kid (days, weeks, months, or years).
4. Keep it positive. Try to substitute another bonding experience in the place of the nursing session. Maybe rolling a ball back and forth on the floor, or going outside, or just snuggling with a book. This can be helpful to both of you, reminding you that the end of breastfeeding is not even close to the end of your relationship.
5. Nighttime will probably take longer. Since breastfeeding is often a soothing exercise for children, you should expect that night weaning might take longer than day weaning. Consider a bottle substitute for nighttime. You may also want to move your kid to their own bed before you try to night wean, since it might be harder to do if they’re still right next to you.
6. Expect some pushback. A lot depends on the kind of child you have. If they’re pretty accepting of change, you may have an easier time. If they’re really wedded to breastfeeding, it’s going to be harder. That doesn’t make it wrong to wean! Just try to think of other activities that can substitute for the comfort of breastfeeding. Snuggle and listen to music, for instance, or bring a warm bottle of formula into the same environment where you would usually breastfeed.
7. Keep an eye on nutrition. Babies under one year of age will get most of their nutrients and calories from breastmilk or formula. Keep this in mind if you’re weaning a child under a year old. You’ll want to up the kid’s formula intake accordingly.
8. Be gentle with your body. If you wean quickly, your breasts will probably continue to produce milk at the same rate they did before. You can express a little milk to make sure you don’t get engorged, and use ice packs for 5-15 minutes at a time to reduce milk production. Important: do not bind your breasts to stop milk production. 

Check out some other resources for advice on weaning…

La Leche League: Weaning How To

Medela: Weaning | Stop Breastfeeding

Parenthood: How to Dry Up Breast Milk