After breastfeeding your baby for a few months, the time may come when you want to wean your baby from breast milk. Your baby is teething, the biting has become too painful, you want your breasts back to yourself, or maybe your baby is growing older and you just think it is time- no matter what the reason may be, you should take charge and make the decision. You do not need to wait for your baby / toddler to wean himself/herself, which can take much longer than you are willing to allow for.

Think before you act. If you are ready to wean your baby, try to start gradually and replace breast feedings with the bottle or solids depending on your baby’s age and current diet. Once you are left with one or two breast feedings a day, you may be ready to stop all together.

Depending on your baby’s nature and attachment to the breast, it can be a tough transition for the both of you. You may find your baby having a harder time falling asleep as he has become accustomed to breastfeeding before bed, or it might take longer to calm him down as he has grown used to expecting the breast for comfort. You should expect to face a few challenging days, even weeks, before your baby will accept this change. Make sure to offer the bottle instead and do not be discouraged if he refuses to take it. With time he will change his ways.

While your baby adapts to the changes, your body will take a little while to adjust as well. It usually takes about two weeks for your breast milk to dry out completely, and it can be quit painful for a while. Your milk production will continue in the beginning, not knowing about your decision to stop breastfeeding.

To relieve the pain and get you through this phase, here are some suggestions: wear a sports bra that is one or two sizes smaller, cold cabbage leaves in your bra will both help stop milk production and relieve the pain, you can also take Motrin if the pain is overwhelming. Do not stimulate your breasts- shower with your back to the water stream and try not to get any water on your breasts. Avoid anyone touching your breasts as they are sensitive during this phase. Lastly, do not pump, unless you want to keep your milk supply running. And stick to your decision.

If you break the weaning mid-process, it will be that much harder to wean your baby the second time around.  So before you wean, make sure you are ready for it!

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Breastfeeding is a very personal and intimate activity between you and your baby, and deciding to wean your baby, and when can (but doesn’t have to) be a bit tricky, if not painful process for the both of you.

It is really up to you to decide when is a good time to quit ‘the boob’, or when you have just had enough (which is a normal  – do not beat yourself up. You have given your baby a lot already just giving him colostrum). There is no right or wrong (or magic) age for weaning, so go with your gut feeling. Of course you want to make sure your baby has supplements (formula or solids, depending on both age and weather he has teethes). You can try those before or during the time you choose to wean your baby.

It is recommended to wean gradually, and not just stop breastfeeding altogether one day. The later way will certainly be more painful for the both of you. It can potentially be traumatic for your baby, and you will be facing engorgement and may risk getting mastitis (a breast infection). Instead, start by skipping a feeding, and replace it with formula or solids. This way your body will learn to gradually produce less milk.

Don’t be discouraged if your baby denies other foods, but try other options. For example, if your baby refuses formula, try warming it up a bit. Breast milk is at body temperature, formula refusal may be due to too many changes (both in taste, smell and temperature).

Some babies wean themselves when they are ready (even if you may not be), which saves you from having to do it for them. But if you are ready before your baby is, start slowly and together you will reach the goal!

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If you chose to breastfeed, there are a few things you should know. First, you should know that you do NOT have “milk” right away – you have Colostrum.  Colostrum is sticky substance that is yellowish or clear in color and may come in BEFORE you give birth (it is possible for a woman to start producing colostrum any time after about 14 to 16 weeks of the pregnancy). Colostrum, or ‘first milk’ is just right for your baby’s brand new digestive system. It contains maternal antibodies that give your newborn protection from disease you have developed immunity against.

Your milk will usually come in within 4-5 days after delivery. If you chose to breastfeed, you will want to start breastfeeding right away (after delivery) to stimulate breast milk production. Your milk will not come in on its own, your baby’s roll is to stimulate your body to produce it. If the situation allows, you should introduce your baby to the nipple right away. If you plan to deliver in a hospital, check if they have lactation consultants and seek them out for help.  Lactation consultants can help to ensure your baby latching on correctly, learning to recognize if he/she is eating, and what to do if things aren’t going smoothly or as you planned.

As a new mother, breastfeeding for the first time can seem somewhat foreign – leaving many mothers unsure of what or how to breastfeed.  A good position to start with is baby belly to your belly, with your arm supporting your baby’s head & body. Your baby’s mouth should cover a big part of the areola, and your nipple should be far back in your baby’s mouth. Do not panic if your baby doesn’t seem to be eating right away and keep in mind that it is hard work for your newborn.  Both you and your baby need to adjust to the experience and learn how to breastfeed. If you find that you are having difficulty and/or have concerns, ask to see a lactation consultant for help.

Breastfeeding is a new experience for both mother and child.   Making sure your baby latches on properly is important in helping you avoid cracked nipples.  If you are a new mother you should use the creams recommended by your doctor if you experience any bleeding or soreness.  Generally, if you are having a hard time (which you may not!) it gets easier after the first month or so.  So don’t give up too quickly it’s to your babies benefit for you to give it a chance.

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* Breast feeding dry spell – Tips!!

* Things to do while breastfeeding