How to Stop Breastfeeding

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Time to wean your baby or toddler? Button your shirt for good with the help of these steps.

Warning
Consult your pediatrician if you must wean suddenly, and for advice on your baby's diet.

Step 1: Wean gradually
Stop breastfeeding gradually, knowing that the process could take weeks or months.

Step 2: Decide whether to bottle-feed
Decide whether to give your baby a bottle. If they're less than one year old, they still need pumped breast milk or formula and may need to suck on a bottle to be soothed.

Tip
If your breasts become painfully engorged due to skipped feedings, use a warm compress or let warm water run over your breasts in the shower.

Step 3: Replace breastfeeding with bottle feedings
Replace breastfeeding with bottle feedings one feeding at a time. Once your baby consistently accepts the bottle at one feeding, add another.

Tip
Many babies who have been breastfed are reluctant to take a bottle from their mothers. Have someone else offer the bottle.

Step 4: Offer toddlers a cup or snack
Offer toddlers a cup of pumped breast milk, formula, whole milk, or water; or a snack of solid foods instead of breastfeeding.

Step 5: Change your routine
Change a toddler's routine to avoid the things they associate with breastfeeding. If you had a habit of breastfeeding in a rocking chair, read her stories on the couch instead.

Step 6: Offer extra cuddles
Offer extra cuddles and special time with your baby or toddler. Let them know that you're still there for them, even if you're no longer breastfeeding.

Did You Know?
Did you know? In theory, men are capable of breastfeeding.