When do i stop nursing

Your body, your child — your choice. All major health organizations recommend breastfeeding for at least 1 year, with about 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, followed by breastfeeding combined with the introduction of solid foods.

After that, the guidance varies in terms of how long to continue breastfeeding. For example, a study published in Maternal Child Nutrition suggested that the nutritional profile of breastmilk stays basically the same throughout the second year of breastfeeding, though its protein and sodium contents increase while its calcium and iron contents decrease.

If you end up being one of the mamas who chooses to nurse beyond the toddler years, know that breastfeeding an older child is normal. As the AAFP notes, according to anthropological data, the natural age of self-weaning meaning weaning determined strictly by the child is about 2. This gives both your body and baby time to adjust. It may be helpful to begin by having another adult feed them the bottle at first.

Then slowly increase the number of bottles you feed your baby as you slowly decrease their time at the breast. To begin, replace a single feeding with a bottle, wait at least a few days, then add another bottle feeding into the schedule.

You can always adjust the pace as needed to ensure that your baby is fed and adjusting to the changes. Over the course of a few weeks or months, you can transition into using only bottle feeding. After 6 months, you may be able to substitute a few nursing sessions with solid foods. You can talk to your doctor about this. Either way, many babies will be even more aware of the emotional attachments they have to breastfeeding, so weaning at this age may involve offering your baby other comforts as you decrease their time at the breast.

Distractions can also be helpful at this age. It also may be tougher emotionally on your baby — and on you. However, in certain circumstances, weaning suddenly may be necessary. For your comfort , you may want to try cold cabbage leaves for engorgement or cold compresses to stop swelling. Self-weaning is basically just what it sounds like. You allow your child to wean on their own , in their own time.

All children are a little bit different in terms of when they give up nursing. Some seem to give it up easily or suddenly, preferring to play or cuddle rather than nurse. Whether or not you choose to continue breastfeeding, it is important to maintain a healthy diet. Seek advice from your health professional or the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Some parents and babies enjoy breastfeeding so much they are in no hurry to stop. It is not unusual for children up to 4 years of age to continue to be breastfed. Family members and friends may feel uncomfortable about extended breastfeeding and it can be helpful to have information to give your family and friends about why you have decided to keep breastfeeding. This may include information about the continued health benefits, security and comfort for your child.

You may be ready to cease breastfeeding, but your child may resist all your attempts to do so. There are many strategies for weaning a baby. Unfortunately the child would need to be able to take a bottle, sippy cup, or straw cup comfortably before you are able to wean, to ensure they are able to take adequate feed volumes.

If your child can talk and understand well, talk with them about your breastfeeding. Explain that you are going to stop and introduce other ways that you can enjoy being close together. You could seek professional advice about weaning or difficulties associated with weaning. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.

Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to behave safely around pets. You can help your child overcome anxiety by taking their fears seriously and encouraging them to talk about their feelings.

Pregnant women with asthma need to continue to take their asthma medication as it is important to the health of both mother and baby that the mother's asthma is well managed. Most injuries to babies do not occur by chance - many are predictable and largely preventable.

Some children are unsettled the first few nights in a 'big bed'. Try to be patient, loving and reassuring. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.

All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Babies and toddlers Home Babies and toddlers Breastfeeding - deciding when to stop.

Maternal and infant infections stimulate a rapid leukocyte response in breastmilk. Clin Transl Immunology. When to wean: biological versus cultural perspectives. Clin Obstet Gynecol. Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Breast milk volume and composition during late lactation months. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.

Mammary gland function during gradual weaning and early gestation in women. The Medela breast milk bottles are a perfect complement to your breastfeeding experience. Discover our new range of pacifiers — made in Switzerland. Choose a location. Your breastfeeding journey. Share this content. Do I need to stop breastfeeding?

Stopping breastfeeding before six months If you feel unable to continue breastfeeding until the six-month mark and want to try mother-led weaning, start by cutting out one breastfeed a day and replacing it with a bottle of formula. Stopping breastfeeding after six months As your baby starts to have solid foods at around six months, you will find that her breastfeeds naturally become less frequent over time. Stopping breastfeeding naturally over time If you choose to let your toddler decide when to stop breastfeeding known as baby-led weaning or natural-term breastfeeding , the weaning process is likely to be slow and gradual.

What if I need to stop breastfeeding quickly? Can I continue breastfeeding if I want to get pregnant again? The last word on baby weaning Whenever and however you stop breastfeeding, be gentle with yourself and your baby.

Nipple care for breastfeeding mums. How to store, freeze and thaw breast milk. Breast milk bottles The Medela breast milk bottles are a perfect complement to your breastfeeding experience. Breastfeeding for professionals Healthcare Company. Follow us on Youtube LinkedIn Xing.