Breastfeeding relationships between mother and child around the world can last for years. In the Western world, we start to think it's weird for a child to breastfeed too long after he hits his first birthday. That kind of societal pressure leads many moms to quit breastfeeding before the time is right. The truth is, breastfeeding can be healthy and mutually satisfying well into the toddler years and even beyond.
When to Wean
There's no medically appropriate time to quit breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mothers breastfeed for at least one full year, but the World Health Organization recommends mothers breastfeed for 2 years. Whether you can only breastfeed for a few weeks or if you've been exclusively breast feeding for months, the proper time to wean is whenever it's best for you and your baby.
How Fast to Wean
If you or your baby has a serious medical condition that makes it unsafe to breastfeed, you can stop right away. Otherwise, weaning should be a process that happens over time. When you feel ready and you suspect your baby is ready, the first step is to drop a feeding. Instead of offering your breast at that time, offer nothing, or offer an age-appropriate snack. Drop another feeding a week later and see how your baby responds. If your baby adjusts well, you may drop a feeding each week until you're no longer offering the breast. If your baby has a hard time, slow your weaning schedule to one he can adjust to more easily.
Tips and Tricks
If dropping a feeding isn't working well, try shortening the amount of time you spend feeding, recommends Baby Center. Shortened feedings can serve as a stepping stone between dropped feedings, especially when you're offering other nutritious, age-appropriate foods, such as rice cereal, fruit juice or cow's milk. When your baby asks for the breast, try some simple distraction techniques, such as offering a snack or playing a game. Cut the bedtime feeding last, as most babies cling to that one the longest.
What to Avoid
Your baby doesn't just rely on your breast for nourishment. It's also a source of comfort and nurturing. With that in mind, you shouldn't wean when your baby isn't feeling well or when there are big changes going on at home. If you have another baby, move or go back to work, you may wish you could wean for convenience, but these are the times when your baby will rely on your breast the most.
Backing Off
If you're ready to pull your hair out because you can't wean your baby, it's best to spare yourself the frustration and back off of weaning, according to Baby Center. Successful weaning depends on both you and your baby being ready. If your baby isn't ready, waiting another month or two may make all the difference.
