How to Wean A Child From Breast Milk

Breastfeeding gives your child the best milk that their bodies need. More women today are encouraged to give their child breast milk, and many women are choosing to give their children their breast milk. Whether you decide to wean at six weeks, six months or two years, weaning can be a bit of a challenge. There is a way that you can wean a child from breast milk fairly easily and without many complications. Read further to discover how this is possible.

Instructions

1. 

   Make sure that your child can drink milk and water from either a bottle or a cup. Begin to introduce a cup or bottle early. Some women give their baby a bit of water in a bottle after each feeding starting right from birth. This helps when a baby sitter is needed. If the mother has to be separated from the child, it isn’t as difficult.

2. Quitting cold turkey isn’t the best way to wean a child from breast milk. Mothers that eliminate one feeding at a time find that this option works much better for both the child and the mother. It makes it a more gradual process and is easier for both body and mind. You can do this by starting with day time feedings and replace the breast milk with cow’s milk or another drink. When you eliminate one feeding successfully, move on to another time slot until you have one final feeding time left.

3. 

   Prepare you child mentally. If he is at an age where he can understand, you may want to tell him that big boys do not drink breast milk. Assure him that only babies do. Let him know that he is a big boy. Saying this anywhere from a week before to a couple weeks before is good to do. How long it takes to wean a child depends upon the child, but you can help it along by being persistent.

4. 

   Cut all breastfeeding out completely. Keep in mind that the hardest part of the procedure in trying to wean your child from breast milk will be weaning him or her from the very last feeding time. The only way to do this is to decide when you want to stop and do it.

5. Be patient but firm. Once you have said that you are no longer breastfeeding, stick to that commitment. The child might protest by crying. If you truly want to wean him, don’t give in to his crying. He will get used to the idea that he can no longer have breast milk, and you will wean your child from breast milk. You have made a gradual transition so it usually won't create too much drama.

Tips & Warnings

• Explain that your child is a big girl or a big boy. Making it sound like an accomplishment to drink out of a bottle is a great idea.

• Seek medical advice when needed.

Resources

• La Leche League