Weaning

Weaning

References

Toronto Public Health. Breastfeeding Protocols for Health Care Providers: Protocol #21 Weaning, (2013), Retrieved from: TPH BF Protocols (2013)
Canadian Pediatric Society. Caring for Kids. Pregnancy and Babies. Weaning your child from breastfeeding. (2018), Retrieved from: Canadian Pediatric Society
Government of British Columbia. Pregnancy and Parenting. Parenting Babies (0-12 Months). Feeding Your Baby. Weaning, (2023), Retrieved from: HealthLink BC

What is Weaning?

Weaning involves taking steps to slowly decrease the amount of breast milk you give to your baby
As this is happening, you can start to introduce bottle-feeding or new foods
Eventually your baby will stop having breast milk all together and shift to only eating solid foods

When Should I Wean My Baby?

At around 6 months old, your baby is developmentally ready to begin having solid foods
It is still important to continue to breastfeed or give infant formula during this time

Signs of Natural Weaning (baby-led)

Signs of natural weaning can occur around 6 months of age or later depending on when baby is ready for solids.
This type of weaning is based on your baby’s cues, such as:
opening their mouth when they see food
Reaching for food that other people have around them
holding food in their mouth, and being able to move food to back of mouth and swallow without spitting it out

General Tips for Weaning

If you are breastfeeding often, try shortening certain feeds in the day where you are also offering solids. This will help over time when you are ready to stop certain feeds altogether.
Try doing an activity during the time you want to replace breastfeeding. This can be things like reading, singing, or going to the park. These activities will help your baby learn a new routine.
Try cuddling and holding your baby if you are bottle-feeding. This will continue to foster healthy attachment during feeding while transitioning from the breast.

Methods of Weaning

Gradual

Start by taking away one breastfeeding session at a time until all breastfeeding is removed. This can be over a period of weeks, months or years.
For most babies, the early morning and late night feeds are the most hard to give up.
Start by removing breastfeeding sessions during the daytime.
- If your baby is under 9-12 months old, you can bottle-feed with infant formula to replace breastfeeding during the day.
- If your baby is over 9-12 months old, you can replace breastfeeding during the day with new foods.
Avoid expressing breast milk unless you feel discomfort. This will slowly decrease your breast milk supply and help with breast fullness.

Abrupt

Abrupt weaning is an unexpected and quick end to breastfeeding
This type of weaning can be hard for the mother and the baby, both physically and emotionally
Expressing enough breast milk to provide comfort will help with painful breast engorgement during this time
Try applying a wet cold cloth to the breasts to reduce swelling
Avoid taking medications that are used to decrease breast milk supply
Speak with your family doctor about taking alternative medications that are compatible with breastfeeding
Discuss a plan for stopping breastfeeding temporarily with a lactation consultant

Type of Weaning

Partial

Certain breastfeeding sessions are replaced with other food sources
This works well if the mother is returning back to work or school but still wishes to breastfeed
If the mother and baby are separated during the day, breastfeeding can still take place in the early morning and nighttime. Early morning and late evening feeds are usually weaned last as they are usually the most desired feed for the infant.
The mother can return to breastfeeding more frequently at a later time if she desires, however, depending on how long the partial wean lasted for, consultation with a lactation consultant may be required if a build of milk supply is required.

Complete

Temporary

Breastfeeding is interrupted temporarily for specific reasons such as separation from baby or illness.
If the mother is taking medication that interferes with breastfeeding, she can express breast milk and discard of it

“Nursing Strikes”

This is referred to the sudden action of a baby refusing to breastfeed. Usually temporary
There are various causes for a nursing strike to happen, such as teething, onset of your period, or change in diet, increase in exercise.

Tips to encourage the baby to return to the breast:

Clothe the baby in only a diaper to promote skin-to-skin, spending uninterrupted time with baby to help re-establish breastfeeding
Soothe and cuddle with the baby, provide more eye contact
Avoid forcing baby onto the breast as this might lead to prolonged breast refusal
Make feeding time special by limiting other distractions and sit in a quiet place
Try breastfeeding before the baby is stressed and crying
Write down any changes in the baby’s diet or behaviors
Try using different nursing positions
Express some breast milk if your breasts are full and uncomfortable
Speak with your family doctor or lactation consultant if you need more support

Further Your Learning:

1. Toronto Public Health. Breastfeeding Protocols for Health Care Providers: Protocol #21 Weaning, (2013).

Shareable Resources for Clients:

1. La Leche League – Weaning: How To, La Leche League: Weaning

2. Government of British Columbia - Weaning: HealthLink BC

Referral Sources: