Breastfeeding - deciding when to stop

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while breastfeeding continues for 2 years or beyond. Within this, it is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right to stop. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning.

Breastmilk in the first year#

Some babies cut down the number of breastfeeds as they start solid foods. The first foods are really educational tastes, and not much food is actually eaten. Once babies are established on solids and taking around 3 solid feeds a day (around 9 months), they begin to gain real nutritional benefit from solids and rely on them more for their growth and development.

Breastmilk contains all the nourishment needed for normal, healthy growth in a baby’s first 6 months of life, and it remains the most important food during the first year. Solids in the first year complement breastmilk – they do not replace breastfeeds. Your baby should still breastfeed on demand, as breastmilk is their main source of nutrition until closer to the end of their first year.

Babies weaned from breastmilk before their first birthday will need to be given infant formula. Infant formula is generally not necessary after 12 months, as your child should then be eating a wide range of foods, including dairy products. If you need to replace a milk feed after that, full-cream cow’s milk can be used.

Breastfeeding even for a short time is beneficial#

In the first few days after birth, your breasts produce colostrum. This rich substance contains vital ingredients, including immunoglobulins and cells that help your baby’s immune system. There is ample evidence that babies breastfed for the first 6 months do not experience as many, or as severe, episodes of common childhood illnesses such as gastroenteritis, respiratory illnesses and middle ear infections.

When weaning happens earlier than planned#

Sometimes weaning needs to happen earlier or more quickly than expected, and it is normal for a parent to feel sad about this. A parent may feel they have no choice but to wean. However, most breastfeeding difficulties can be overcome with help. A lactation consultant, breastfeeding counsellor or maternal and child health nurse can offer you information and support.

Returning to paid work need not mean having to wean – many parents combine breastfeeding with part-time or full-time work.

Taking your time to wean#

Depending on your baby’s age and need for sucking, you can wean either to a cup or a bottle. If you choose a bottle, your baby will eventually need to be weaned from that too.

• Start with whichever breastfeed of the day your baby seems least interested in.
• If your breasts are uncomfortable when a feed is missed, express a small amount for comfort to avoid blocked ducts or the discomfort of fullness. Reduce the time spent expressing, or the volume removed, over a few days to let the breasts adjust.
• Then cut out another breastfeed every few days, or even each week, depending on your comfort and your baby’s willingness to cooperate.

The concentration of antibodies to bacterial and viral diseases in breastmilk increases as weaning progresses and milk supply reduces. This helps protect your baby as they are introduced to new foods and explore new surroundings. Remember to give your baby plenty of cuddles during weaning so you both still have close time together.

Slowly reducing the number of breastfeeds protects your baby during weaning and helps you avoid problems such as mastitis. If you need to wean quickly, talk to a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant about caring for your breasts.

When to introduce solid foods#

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

Babies show they are ready to start solids when they:

• start being able to hold their head up and sit without support
• start showing interest when others are eating
• start making gestures that seem to say ‘feed me too’
• stop pushing food out of their mouth (the tongue-thrust reflex disappears)

Talk to your maternal and child health nurse about your baby’s readiness to eat.

Iron requirements#

A baby born at full term has a store of iron passed on from the mother during pregnancy. You may be concerned about your baby’s iron store running low at around 6 months of age. Breastmilk contains small amounts of readily absorbed iron, and studies have shown that the risk of iron deficiency is very low in full-term, healthy breastfed babies who continue to breastfeed past 6 months as solids are introduced.

Breastfeeding while pregnant#

If you become pregnant, you may choose to continue breastfeeding or you may prefer to gradually wean your baby. This is an individual choice. Whether or not you continue, it is important to maintain a healthy diet. Seek advice from your health professional or a breastfeeding support organisation.

Extended breastfeeding#

Some parents and babies enjoy breastfeeding so much that they are in no hurry to stop. It is not unusual for children up to 4 years of age to continue to be breastfed. Family members and friends may feel uncomfortable about extended breastfeeding, and it can be helpful to have information to share with them about why you have decided to keep going. This may include information about the continued health benefits, security and comfort for your child.

The child who does not want to be weaned#

You may be ready to stop breastfeeding, but your child may resist all your attempts. Your approach will depend on your child’s age. There are many strategies for weaning. A child would need to be able to take a bottle, sippy cup or straw cup comfortably before you can wean, to make sure they can take adequate feed volumes.

If your child can talk and understand well, talk with them about your breastfeeding. Explain that you are going to stop, and introduce other ways that you can enjoy being close together. You could also seek professional advice about weaning or any difficulties associated with it.

Where to get help#