Best way to stop Breastfeeding?

Saskia - posted on 04/06/2011

Always remember at around 2 months babies go through a growth spurt where they will feed a lot more often but once you have met babies needs they will stop feeding so often and go for longer between feeds. When ever it seems like they don't get enough just stick to it for a few weeks because usually it's a growth spurt which soon settles. Always make sure you eat well and drink enough water.
The more you use formula the less you will produce. Think about what you really want to do because once you stpped it's not easy to return.
I breastfed my son for 9 and my daughter for 20 months and would never consider anything else than breast.

Audrey - posted on 01/21/2010

I'm curious as to why you think you weren't producing enough?

Claudia - posted on 01/21/2010

I am still breastfeeding Jeremy at 16 months. Ok I get stares as most people seem to wean off earlier but I rec commend first 12 months to breastfeed as it is extremely beneficial for the baby's immune system and development. Perhaps you can express your milk and bottle feed the little one. Get daddy or your caregiver to feed your son when you need a break or want to rest. Express every 4 hours or so when you are away from baby. Jeremy is on to cow's and soya milk to supplement as he does not like formula and I intend to wean off naturally by 24 months. Enjoy the bonding cos they are only this small once.

Teresa - posted on 01/20/2010

Why are you timing him on the breast? How do you know that he isn't getting enough? When my nephew was tiny it took him at least 45 minutes for each nursing session. The more often you use formula the more you will need to use. If you want to switch that is totally your choice, but I can't give you any advice as formula was only used in our family a handful of times when my twins were newborns.

Good luck!!

Amanda - posted on 01/20/2010

Katie, please follow your instincts and don't be pushed into doing something if its not right for you. Neither of you are going to be happy if you're overwhelmed.

Donell - posted on 01/20/2010

I agree with Kate that they become more efficient at around 3 months. I went through the same as yourself. Feeding on each boob and then the first boob again and then the formula. I wanted to keep going and it did get better. My baby didn't need the formula after 3 months of age and just had breast feeding after that. She started with solids then at 4 months and the breast feeding became easier again. I still breast feed her now at 14 months and have now decided to try to stop. I'm reducing the amounts of feeds she gets during the day gradually.

Jennifer - posted on 01/20/2010

My daugher is a little over 2months and I've already noticed a difference in her feeding time. At first she would usually eat for almost 20 minutes on each side! Now she only eats about 10 on each side. She's one of the fatest babies I've ever seen but she doesnt eat near as much as she did when she was first born. Sometimes I'll just keep putting her back on my breast just so I know she is getting enough milk and is satisfied. But alot of times she will just latch back on and not suck, and then I leak alot since my milk supply is far from dry haha! anyway whenever your son wants to stop eating more he will, all babies are different. hope this helps:)

Angelica - posted on 01/19/2010

I had the same problem when my little guy was 2- 3 months, it felt like he was never satisfied because he always wanted to be on my breast. I encourage you not to give up yet, also it may be better not to supplement with milk because if he is full from formula then he won't want to nurse and the more often he nurses the more milk you will produce. My little guy lived on my breast for those 3 months, but it gets better! I never supplemented and even though it seemed like he wasn't getting enough, they are! he feeding times will get shorter as he gets older.

Sunny - posted on 01/19/2010

Ok If I have said anything to offend anyone from my prior post I am sorry. I do beleave that breastfeeding for as long as you can is the best. and Yes he will soon be a more efficiant eater, that may make your life a little smoother. There are ways to increase your milk supply, if you dont feel he is getting enough. A few I have tried is making sure that I drink lots of water, sleep, I have heard that a certain type of yeast may help there are suppliments that can be taken to try to get your supply up. good luck and best of wishes to you and baby.

Tara - posted on 01/19/2010

i AGREE with the moderator...hah!

you can pump also, rent one from wic that way he still gets BM

Rebecca - posted on 01/18/2010

As a moderator of this site I need to make sure this group is following the guidelines of "Breastfeeding Moms"

This group is here to support families that breastfeed. We follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and La Leche League Internations (LLLI). This group is here to promote breastfeeding and support families who choose to breastfeed. Please refrain from recommending formula in this group. Group Guidelines: 1. We do not support or encourage the use of Formula. Please refrain from recommending the use of formula. 2. No posts that are threatening 3. No solicitation 4. This group does not encourage or support weaning an infant under 12 months of age for any nonmedical reason.

I know that we are all here for support, and this site is to support the continuation of breastfeeding at least until 1 year of age by giving advice, recomendations and encouragement to continue. We do not condone the use of Formula unless medically necessary. I appologize to anyone who feels their needs are not being met by this site but we must follow the guidelines set out by the Administrator.

Sunny - posted on 01/18/2010

I breastfeed my daughter for 15 months. Over time I just would go longer and longer between feedings.At the end of breastfeeding I would wear a tanktop to bed so I would wake myself up to fidgit with my shirt and remind myself not to feed her in the middle of the night. Also I would just nurse her just before bed so that I still had special time with her at the end of the day. My best advise is to ease your way out of it so your breast are not engourged. Maybe feed him in the morning when you get up and then wait 5-6 hours before you do it again. Streatch out the times between breastfeedings and your body will stop producing as much milk.

Katie - posted on 01/18/2010

I don't really know the best way because my son is still BFing at 13 months and has never even had a drop of formula. I can tell you one thing though...it won't be too long before your baby has a little "efficiency upgrade". I believe it was around 3 or 4 months that my son got considerably more efficient at nursing and began taking less time at the breast. And this is something that I believe all babies do. It made things much easier. Then at around 6 months or so he became even more efficient. It won't always take forever to feed your baby. I encourage you to stick with it, but in the end the decision is yours. Good luck:)