How to stop breastfeeding, according to lactation experts
The decision to breastfeed is deeply personal, and so is the decision to stop. Your circumstances and your personal preferences will play a major role in how, when and why you stop breastfeeding.
Want to know how to stop breastfeeding in a way that supports you and your baby best?
Women’s Health consulted two experts — Tara Murphy MSN, RN, IBCLC, of RWJ Barnabas Health Breastfeeding Wellness Center and Dr Lauren Davis, DO, board-certified family medicine and osteopathic doctor and founder of Latched Nourished Thriving — to compile this guide on ending your breastfeeding journey.
When to stop breastfeeding
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life. After that, it suggests continuing breastfeeding while feeding solid foods for two years.
However, personal factors might warrant adjustments to this schedule. ‘There’s no universal “right time” to stop breastfeeding — it’s a deeply personal decision based on the needs of both mom and baby,’ says Dr Davis.
Guidelines can provide a framework for when you stop breastfeeding, but your family’s individual needs will be the most crucial factor in the decision.
‘Ideally, breastfeeding continues as long as it’s beneficial and comfortable for both lactating parent and child,’ Dr Davis notes.
Common reasons for stopping breastfeeding
Every parent has their own reason for weaning their baby off breast milk. Some common reasons include:
Returning to work: When a breastfeeding parent returns to work, they may choose to stop breastfeeding rather than pumping and storing milk at work.
Baby shows signs of readiness: When solids are introduced, baby may start losing interest in breastfeeding as often.
Low milk supply: Sometimes, low milk supply leads to supplementation with baby formula, which can decrease demand for breast milk.
Medical reasons: Certain health conditions or medications may necessitate stopping breastfeeding sooner than planned.
Breastfeeding challenges: An ineffective latch or a tongue tie in baby may be a factor, too.
Parental readiness: Breastfeeding can be physically and emotionally demanding. Some parents decide to stop when they feel ready for a change.
Personal circumstances: ‘Lack of support, uncertainties about whether baby is eating enough and a mom’s milk supply can lead to early weaning,’ says Dr Murphy.
Child disinterest: ‘Some mothers wean when their child loses interest, which is naturally between 3 years and 7 years old,’ Dr Davis says.
What to do if you’re struggling with breastfeeding
Remember that any amount of breastfeeding is a good thing. ‘If you feel that you need to stop because your supply is low, remember that every ounce helps with immunity,’ Dr Davis says. ‘Inclusive feeding is an option, as is getting help to increase your supply at any point in your breastfeeding journey.’
Additionally, help can come in many forms. ‘If experiencing breastfeeding problems, reaching out to a lactation consultant for support or attending breastfeeding support groups can help to get the individualised attention you need,’ says Dr Murphy.
What to consider before you stop breastfeeding
Breastfeeding provides several benefits to the breastfeeding parent and baby. For instance, breast cancer risk declines the longer you continue to breastfeed.
It also provides immune system benefits that stop when nursing ends. ‘It helps fill in the gap of a child’s immune system development, which doesn’t reach adult levels until between 3 and 7 years old,’ explains Dr Davis.
If you’re considering weaning your baby off breast milk, Dr Murphy suggests keeping a few things in mind. ‘Before weaning, [give] thought to your baby’s age, developmental stage, and nutritional needs along with mom’s physical and emotional well-being,’ she says.
Stopping breastfeeding can lead to physical side effects, such as breast engorgement and hormonal fluctuations, as well as big emotions for parent and baby.
What to expect when you stop breastfeeding
There are several changes to expect when weaning, including:
Physical changes: Breasts may feel tender or overfull and even leak for a while.
Emotional adjustments: Some mothers feel relief, others feel a sense of loss — both are normal. Some moms notice a temporary hormonal shift that causes fatigue or mood swings.
Baby’s reaction: Some babies transition easily, while others may be fussy or seek extra comfort.
Can I stop breastfeeding suddenly?
You can, but it isn’t recommended. Abrupt weaning can be harder to deal with than those associated with a slight decrease in breastfeeding over time.
Sudden weaning can cause:
Breast engorgement
Milk buildup and blockages
Milk duct infection (mastitis)
Milk leakage
Hormonal shifts that may cause headaches, dizziness, extreme tiredness or nausea
Disruption of the balance of estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to irregular, heavy or painful periods
Mood swings, feelings of sadness, and guilt
Drs Davis and Murphy suggest taking a gradual approach if you can. ‘Weaning gradually is the best approach to allow mom and baby to emotionally and physiologically adjust to the change,’ she says.
How to stop breastfeeding gradually
‘The best approach is dropping one feeding at a time every few days to give your body time to adjust,’ Dr Davis advises. She recommends the steps below:
Replace one breastfeeding session with a bottle, cup of milk or solid food if appropriate.
Wait a few days before dropping another session, allowing supply to regulate.
Save the most comforting feeds, like morning or bedtime, for last.
Offer extra cuddles since breastfeeding is also about bonding.
If engorged, express just enough for comfort without fully emptying the breasts.
When slowly weaning, symptoms can be similar to those of stopping quickly. However, they may be spread over time, making them easier to manage.
‘Listen to your body and your baby,’ says Dr Murphy. ‘If the elimination of one feeding went well, then eliminate another feeding. Continue this pattern over a few weeks until baby has successfully weaned from the breast.’
How to stop breastfeeding quickly
Dr Davis has a few tips if you need or want to stop breastfeeding quickly:
Wear a supportive bra: Make sure it isn’t too tight, as this can cause clogged ducts.
Use cold compresses: This can help reduce breast swelling and pain.
Hand express or pump: Express enough milk to relieve pressure, but don’t fully empty the breast. Doing so signals the body to keep producing.
Try over-the-counter pain relievers: Paracetamol (e.g., Pandol and Calpol), ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen) and aspirin (e.g., Anadin) can help with discomfort.
Drink sage tea: This type of herbal tea may help reduce milk supply naturally.
Apply chilled cabbage leaves: This natural remedy provides a soothing, cooling sensation that can ease the discomfort of mastitis and may help dry up milk. You can also try a cabbage-based cream.
Ask about medication: Your doctor can also prescribe medicines like cabergoline to help discourage lactation.
Try Sudafed: ‘Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine (Sudafed) can help dry up milk by 25-50% of volume with just one dose,’ Dr Davis notes.
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How to dry up breast milk
The simplest way to dry up breast milk is to decrease demand for it.
‘How often milk is removed is directly related to how much milk your body will produce,’ explains Dr Murphy. ‘Gradually reducing stimulation and milk removal from the breasts will signal the body to decrease milk production.’
Signs of milk drying up
When you dry up breast milk, you’ll notice several signs as production decreases:
Softer, less full breasts
Reduced leaking or letdown sensation
Baby frustration from slower milk flow
Less milk output when pumping
Getting support while stopping breastfeeding
‘Some moms may feel sad that nursing is done, and others may feel happy and ready to move on to the next phase with their baby,’ Dr Murphy says. ‘If you have questions or need help, it’s out there.’ She suggests finding a local breastfeeding support group to get the parent-to-parent help you need.
‘Remember that this postpartum period is the longest, shortest time,’ Dr Murphy adds. ‘It can feel hard and overwhelming in the beginning, but it goes by very quickly.’
Conclusion
Your breastfeeding journey is just that — yours. ‘Weaning is a milestone in your relationship with your baby, not just an endpoint,’ says Dr Davis. ‘Whether stopping at six months, two years or beyond, what matters most is that both mother and baby feel supported in the process.’
While you may feel pressured one way or the other, what’s best for you is also best for your bubba. And above all, allow yourself to find joy in the process. ‘Enjoy this special time with your baby!’ Dr Murphy says.
FAQs
How fast does breast milk supply dry up?
‘Milk supply typically reduces over days to weeks, depending on how gradually weaning happens,’ explains Dr Lauren Davis, DO. ‘Some women dry up within 1-2 weeks, while others notice small amounts of milk for months after stopping.’
What is the best method to stop breastfeeding?
The best method for stopping breastfeeding is to gradually reduce feedings or pump slowly over time. This helps minimise discomfort and potential side effects while making it easier for both parent and baby to adjust.
Why is it so hard to stop breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a personal and intimate experience that a parent shares with their baby, and changing this dynamic can be emotional. There can also be physical difficulties, including pain and discomfort, and hormonal changes can further impact mood.
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