Weaning from breastfeeding/chestfeeding

As your toddler grows, they may decide to wean naturally from breastfeeding/chestfeeding. By allowing your toddler to gradually stop breastfeeding/chestfeeding at their own pace, your body will adjust more naturally.

If you choose to stop breastfeeding/chestfeeding before your toddler decides it's time to stop, here are some tips from HealthyFamilies BC to make weaning comfortable for both of you:

• Plan ahead: Choose a non stressful time to start. Beginning to wean your toddler on your first day of work or childcare, or during a move, can add to the stress of these situations.
• Start slowly: Replace one feeding every day for the first week. You may wish to pick the feeding that provides the least comfort for your toddler. This is often the late afternoon feeding. To provide enough nutrition, replace the skipped feeding with your own expressed milk and food.
• Skip one more: After one week, or when you feel comfortable, replace one more feeding.
• Continue to skip: Keep replacing one feeding per week with food and other fluids.
• Last to go: Last of all, replace the feeding that provides the most comfort. Often these are the morning and bedtime feedings. When you're ready to stop these last feedings it may help to have your partner or another family member take over the routines for a while.
• Be ready to give more comfort and cuddles: You may be looking forward to fewer demands on your time and energy when you stop breastfeeding/chestfeeding. However, this most likely won't be the case. Your toddler may need even more attention and love during and after weaning.