Some children can be weaned from the breast without much fuss and protest, but others will need a lot of extra cuddles and one-on-one attention during this time. In older children particularly, be prepared for increased crying, clinginess, separation anxiety, night-waking, new attachments to random objects or cuddly toys, thumb sucking, aggression or biting. If you’re stopping breastfeeding a very young baby then ensuring there is lots of skin to skin, physical closeness and soothing can help your baby with the transition; although this may be better with another person at first, because your baby may be frustrated to not be feeding at the breast.
BE FLEXIBLE AND PATIENT
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Some children can be weaned from the breast without much fuss and protest, but others will need a lot of extra cuddles and one-on-one attention during this time. In older children particularly, be prepared for increased crying, clinginess, separation anxiety, night-waking, new attachments to random objects or cuddly
toys, thumb sucking, aggression or biting.
If you’re stopping breastfeeding a very
young baby then ensuring there is lots of
skin to skin, physical closeness and soothing
can help your baby with the transition;
although this may be better with another
person at first, because your baby may be
frustrated to not be feeding at the breast.
It is worth knowing that breastmilk production is very flexible (once breastfeeding has been established) and can be increased or decreased depending upon demand and that it takes several weeks for milk production to stop completely. If you stop breastfeeding, but change your mind, you can usually start again if your child is willing.
NCT supports all parents, however they feed their child. If you have questions, concerns or need support, you can speak to a breastfeeding counsellor by calling our helpline on 0300 330 0700, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or using formula milk.
Breastfeeding counsellors have had extensive training, will listen without judging or criticising and will offer relevant information and suggestions.