Weaning Your Baby and Stopping Breast Milk Production

When should I wean my baby?

Weaning is a natural part of your child’s development. Like any developmental stage, there is no exact point in time when it *should* happen. Weaning can be child-led or parent-led, meaning you can opt to follow your baby’s lead or make the decision for yourself. Many parents in the US opt to wean at 1 year, however true child-led weaning rarely happens before 18-24 months without encouragement. See our post: Nursing Strikes. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and supports continued breastfeeding after solid foods are introduced as long as you and your baby desire, for 2 years or beyond. 

You read that right, 2 years or beyond, as long as it’s still working for you. There is no point at which the benefits run out. Your milk continues to change composition to meet your child’s needs as they grow, and ultimately, providing breast milk for as long as you can is best for your baby. That said, when to wean depends on a lot of individual factors and is a decision that only you can make. Whether you breastfeed for 5 days or 5 years, we support you without judgment and are here to help you through the process!

How do I stop my milk production?

For the sake of your health and your hormones, please don’t stop cold turkey. Slow and steady wins the race! Reducing stimulation gradually is key, but this means something different for everyone. Your path depends on factors like your baby’s age, how often they take breast milk, your current milk production, how prone you are to clogged ducts/mastitis, and how quickly you need or desire to be done. Please see a lactation consultant for an individualized weaning plan. Remember, although you are looking to stop breast milk production, a lactation consultant can still be a great resource to you. 

A note about using herbs to reduce milk supply: Certain herbs and medications can be effective at reducing milk supply, however, be sure to discuss the methods with your lactation consultant and healthcare provider before taking anything. Even natural remedies can have side effects and contraindications.

What will happen to my body when I start to wean?

Again, this is highly individual. Some mothers are able to reduce production gradually without issues. Others will experience engorgement, clogged ducts or mastitis, hormone swings and/or unexpected emotions. Milk production is driven by hormones, which means that your levels of oxytocin (the feel-good love hormone) and prolactin (associated with feelings of calm) will go down as breastfeeding comes to an end. This can affect your mood and sense of well-being, and even lead to post-weaning depression.

Why do I feel so emotional about weaning?

It may be more than just the hormonal shift that comes with weaning. Every mother’s journey comes with some incredibly complex emotions. A lot of us grieve passing stages, even ones we’ve encouraged and desired! Weaning is often seen as a rite of passage out of babyhood. This special relationship that you worked so hard for, both physically and emotionally, is ending, and it’s completely normal to feel all the emotions about it! Lean on your support system, talk with people who understand, and seek therapy if you feel like you need it. There is no shame in what you are feeling, and you are not alone in it. Just remember, while your baby will never need you in this way again, you are still their world. They will still need you, just in a different way. You will always be mama. <3

Reach out if you would like to see a lactation consultant to make a plan for weaning. We’re always here with a listening ear, and to help guide you through the process.