How to Stop Breastfeeding?

Mothers often struggle to take the decision of stopping breastfeeding. However, there are also some mothers who can get the baby weaned naturally. According to the World Health organization, breastfeeding a baby for the first two years of his or her life is enough. There can be personal reasons like health issues or professional concerns that may force a mother to stop breastfeeding before the baby reaches the age of 2 years. If you are finding it hard to stop breastfeeding, the tips provided below may help you.

• Never try to stop breastfeeding suddenly; it can act as a traumatic change for both your baby and you. Unless a medical condition is forcing you to stop breastfeeding immediately, the right process is weaning gradually.When a mother weans suddenly, there might be drastic changes in her hormonal levels causing severe health complications including depression. The babies on the other hand might start feeling insecure due to sudden weaning. You should proceed gradually by replacing a single feeding session with solid food items, baby formula or pumped breast milk. Continue doing this for a few days and then replace another breast feeding session in the same way.  Soon you will successfully stop breastfeeding without causing any harm to your baby or yourself.
• Sometimes toddlers start weaning absolutely on their own. As you baby reaches the age of two years, you should stop offering him breast milk; however, if he asks for breast milk never refuse. Soon, you’ll find that the baby has weaned automatically.
• Changing the bedtime routine also helps to stop breastfeeding. Doing this will help the mother to avoid breastfeeding the baby before he goes to sleep. Some other ways of avoiding bedtime breastfeeding is narrating interesting stories, cuddling etc.
• Another useful tool for weaning is distraction. Distraction can be induced by playing games, hugging and offering healthy snacks and toys whenever the baby comes near the mother’s breast.

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