How to Wean From Breastfeeding

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By jenbeth
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Wean From Breastfeeding

Once you decide to wean from breastfeeding it can seem overwhelming. How do you begin to wean your baby, especially if your baby is not sure he or she is wants to wean? Some people say when babies are ready they will wean themselves. I never experienced this. When my daughter was 14 months I decided we were both ready to wean.
Here are some tricks to wean from breastfeeding.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Sippy Cup

Before you wean introduce a bottle, if you are weaning while your baby is still very young, or a cup with water or formula. These should be introduced before you wean, while you are still breastfeeding.

See my article about introducing a cup in the resource section.
Step 2

Once your child has grown accustom to the bottle or cup, then begin the weaning process. When your baby wants to nurse first try to offer the cup or bottle. The transition may be easier if the cup or bottle contains breastmilk. The baby will likely reject the cup or bottle. Nurse the baby if he/she will not take the cup or bottle. Keep offering the cup or bottle whenever possible, such as mealtimes (for babies old enough to be eating solid foods)
Step 3

Cut down on nursing times. Only offer to nurse a certain times, such as before bedtime or nap time.
Step 4

If you usually nurse in the same place, try moving to a new chair or area. Many times babies are only nursing because it is a source of comfort. Add lots of extra cuddles and stories during this time to make the transition a little easier.
Step 5

Boppy Nursing Pillow

If you use a nursing pillow, like a Boppy, hide it. For some older babies just seeing the pillow reminds them of wanting to breastfeed.
Step 6

I hope one or a few of these tricks help you wean from breastfeeding.