This post was written by Danielle Wisniewski, RN, IBCLC.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggest that exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least two years and beyond is mutually desired. There will come a time, however, when either baby or mom are ready to transition away from this form of nourishment. Weaning your breastfeeding baby can happen anytime, and a little guidance can help make the change a little smoother.
Mother-led weaning
When mom chooses, she can decide on the pace of weaning that feels good for her. She can eliminate one breastfeeding session per week or more, if preferred. Typically, when baby is young (under six months of age), mom will replace the breastfeeding session(s) with bottle feedings in the form of expressed breastmilk and/or formula.
Baby-led weaning
When the baby/toddler chooses to wean from breastfeeding, the process may be more gradual. The infant may begin to just gradually lose interest in breastfeeding. This doesn’t mean that mom did anything wrong. It can often be tied to other factors, such as the child’s interest in complementary foods or an increase in their activity level.
Relieving discomfort
With either of the above scenarios, mom can experience breast discomfort. Luckily, there are several treatment options mothers can try at home to ease these symptoms, including:
- Cold packs applied to the breasts
- Raw cabbage leaves applied to the breasts
- Avoiding nipple stimulation
- Wearing a comfortable bra
- Consuming peppermint, specifically peppermint Altoids
- Drinking 1-4 cups of sage tea per day
- Pumping or hand expressing a few drops of milk to relieve the pressure in the breasts
Moms may also experience sadness during this time of transition. Our lactation team is ready to answer any questions or concerns, but it’s also important women reach out to their doctor if they notice consistent feelings of sadness or heavy emotions. They can help mothers explore the possible treatment options for their mental health. It’s incredibly important to vocalize concerns to get control over potential risks to mom’s well-being.
More resources
For more on this topic, view:
Weaning your breastfeeding baby
You might also find these posts from the Parkview Dashboard helpful:
Returning to exercise while breastfeeding
How to navigate breastfeeding after returning to work
Pumping breast milk: Answering common questions
We are here to support your breastfeeding journey. Learn more about our lactation services here.
