How to Stop the Breastfeeding Naturally?

People don’t talk much about these topics. So, until you are in the pit yourself, you might not know about breastfeeding! The process of starting and stopping breastfeeding is not as simple as it seems. I get a lot of young mothers popping the question, ‘How to stop breastfeeding?’

A few days ago, Ramani visited my clinic. A young mother of a 2-year-old looked dull and drained. When I asked her to speak about her concerns, she was too exhausted to be shy. She opened up that her 2-year-old son bites her nipples. He clings to her breasts all night long. She could not sleep or change sides. Frustration was floating on her face.

Ramani is not the only mother bugged by this problem. Some find trouble feeding their baby and some weaning. Some complain that their babies embarrass them by reaching out for their breasts in public places. Some mothers are chained to feeding their toddlers all day long!

Many new mothers suffer from depression and stress in this stage. Sleeplessness makes them cranky and bitter. One new mother burst out in my clinic saying she wanted to cut off her breasts as she has become just a feeding machine!

Weaning brings along a mixed bag of emotions. On one side, she wants her baby off her breasts. On the other, she will also feel the emptiness of her baby tucked in her chest. Not to forget the excruciating pain from the accumulated milk. Weaning is taxing!

Before sharing the weaning tips, here is something important, I want all parents to know!!!

The right time to stop breastfeeding

Doctors recommend exclusively breast-feed the infant for the first six months. That means a mother’s milk is the only food advised for the infant for the first six months. After six months, the baby shall be introduced to solid foods. But it’s not necessary to stop breastfeeding immediately. 

The mother can continue breastfeeding the toddler for up to 1 or 2 years or even longer. Babies over a year see breast milk as supplemental food. It is a source of comfort for them. Also, breastfeeding the toddler strengthens their immune system.   

Remember, every mother and baby are different so the time of weaning will also be different! There is no space for comparisons here.

Common Reasons to Stop Breastfeeding

Sore or painful breasts

Not enough breast milk

Going back to work

Getting pregnant again

Social Pressure

Well, actually none of these should be the reasons to stop breastfeeding. The only reason to stop breastfeeding is that the toddler fulfills his dietary requirements. 

For sore and painful nipples consult an expert. They will help you with the right technique to feed your baby.

A woman’s breast produces an adequate amount of milk to suffice the baby’s hunger. But if needed there are some superfoods to enhance breast milk production. E.g. fenugreek seeds, sesame seeds, masoor daal, garlic, etc.

Going back to work does not mean you have to stop breastfeeding. Adjust the routine according to your timing.

If you are pregnant again, then ask your doctor for the best solution according to your health condition.

7 Tips to Stop Breastfeeding

• For babies, less than a year old replace breast milk with formula milk.
• Introduce solid foods to the baby’s plate.
• Make sure of the nutrition.
• Change your feeding routine. Increase the gaps. 
• First, stop breastfeeding during the day. Distract the child from other activities.
• Ask someone else to put the baby to sleep.
• Don’t change in front of your baby.

How to stop breastfeeding an older child?

If the child is over 18 months, start by limiting the number of feedings. By this time the child understands most of your words. Tell the child that you won’t be feeding them. Comfort her with cuddles and snuggles. Tell bedtime stories. Rocking her on your chest or legs will also make her fall asleep. You can also ask the dad to chip in.

Last but not least, if nothing works then be patient. Take a break and try again in a few weeks. It will happen when the time is right for the baby.