Shirley Evans, RN, IBCLC, RLC
Lactation Services
Doctors Hospital
5100 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43228
Phone (614) 544-2111

Q: When should I wean my newborn and what is the best way?
 
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast milk feedings for the first 6 months of an infant's life and continued, along with the introduction of appropriate solid foods, until 12 months of age. Breast-feeding beyond 12 months is associated with ongoing physical & emotional health benefits for both toddler and mother.
 
Each mother must decide for herself when to begin weaning and should be based on her and her infant's needs and not on what others expect. Breastfeeding is an enjoyable nurturing relationship between mother and infant. When either of the two no longer seem to be enjoying breastfeeding, and if after trying options to resume a satisfy experience have been unsuccessful, most mothers choose this time to begin weaning.
 
Several approaches to weaning are natural, planned, gradual or abrupt weaning:

• Weaning naturally is "infant led" and begins as infant starts taking anything other than the breast.The amount of time spent breastfeeding will decrease as the infant "gets full" on solid foods &/or begins taking liquids from a different container. Milk production decreases gradually to decrease risk of engorgement. Length of time to completely weaning naturally will vary from infant to infant.
• Planned weaning is "mother led" and mother decides to wean before her infant show cues of wanting to wean. This approach most likely will result with mother needing to be flexible and sensitive to her infant's needs during the weaning process. Planned weaning can be either gradual or abrupt.
• Gradual weaning is recommended over abrupt weaning. Eliminating one feeding daily every two to three days will decrease chance of a full uncomfortable breast. Spacing eliminated feeding times between breastfeed will also result in shorter periods of time when the breast will not have milk removed and decrease chance of engorgement. Gradual weaning provides time for the infant to transition to taking fluids from a different container with less stress.
• Abrupt weaning can be planned or recommended as a result of heath care issues for mother or infant. Immediate cessation of any milk removal can result in an engorged breast. Medication is no longer used to "dry up milk". Although breast stimulation and milk removal is not recommended, some mothers find that pumping a little milk, to comfortably soften breast, at intervals through the day during abrupt weaning can decrease engorgement. Use of ice packs, medication to ease discomfort &/or inflammation and a comfortable fitting bra can make mother less uncomfortable.

A mother may want to contact a Lactation Consultant to review suggestions for her and her infant's individual needs regarding mother's plan to wean. Reducing stress for mother and infant during this time can result in an on-going enjoyable nurturing relationship.