Dear Mom, first of all, here’s a big, warm hug for you. Reaching the weaning stage—whether it's due to your baby’s natural growth, returning to work, or physical reasons—marks the end of a beautiful chapter in your breastfeeding journey. Now, it’s time to say goodbye to breastfeeding in the same gentle, loving way you began.
Preparing for Weaning
Before beginning the weaning process, it’s helpful to prepare 1–2 weeks in advance by gradually reducing the number of breastfeeding sessions. For example, if you normally nurse six times a day, try cutting down to four, then two, allowing your body to slowly reduce milk supply and giving your baby time to adapt to formula or solid foods without feeling stressed or resistant.
🍼 Appropriate Time for Weaning Your Baby:
| Age Range | Ready for Weaning? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months | ❌ Not recommended | The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Weaning is not advised during this period unless there are special medical reasons. |
| After 6 months | ✅ Start preparing | As your baby begins solid foods, breast milk remains the main source of nutrition. This stage is suitable for slowly reducing some breastfeeding sessions and gently entering the weaning phase. |
| 9–12 months | ✅ Common starting time | At this age, babies eat more solids and gain feeding independence. Many moms begin to gradually reduce nursing sessions, choosing natural weaning or mother-led weaning. |
| 12 months and above | ✅ Recommended time | After 1 year, babies usually get enough nutrition from food and formula. This is a common time for moms to fully wean. It’s also more appropriate for considering medical weaning if needed. |
You’ll also want to gather helpful weaning essentials like soft, breathable cotton bras and cold packs (or ice wrapped in a towel) to ease any engorgement. You can also consult your doctor to see if you might benefit from supportive options like vitamin B6 or non-pharmaceutical methods.
A Gentle Goodbye: Natural or Baby-Led Weaning
What is baby-led weaning? It’s a gradual, gentle process where milk supply decreases naturally as your baby reduces nursing sessions and becomes more interested in solid foods. It’s ideal for mothers who prefer to stop breastfeeding at their baby’s pace.
- Reduce nursing frequency: Fewer breastfeeding sessions lead to fewer lactation signals, which naturally decreases milk supply.
- Extend the time between feeds: Gradually increasing the interval between feedings helps reduce milk production.
- Shorten the duration of each feed: Less time nursing means less stimulation, which helps with weaning.
- Avoid lactation-boosting foods and fluids: Cut back on soups, broths, and other galactagogues to slow milk production.
Mother-Led Weaning and Medical Weaning
For some mothers, especially those who need to stop breastfeeding quickly or are producing a large amount of milk, mother-led weaning or medical weaning might be a better option.
Medical Weaning: Using Medications to Stop Breastfeeding
Here is the optimized English version of the paragraph with non-prescription drugs removed: If you're considering stopping breastfeeding with the help of medication, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider. Only a qualified medical professional can advise you on safe and appropriate options based on your specific situation. Always follow your doctor's guidance when using any medication during this process. In the meantime, avoid strong or frequent pumping, as it may stimulate milk production.
Weaning with the Help of Foods
For mothers in the Philippines who prefer gentler, more natural ways to stop breastfeeding, certain foods and drinks may help reduce milk supply gradually. While traditional beliefs vary, some foods are commonly avoided by breastfeeding moms once they begin weaning:
Strong tea or coffee: May reduce milk production through mild dehydration. However, limit caffeine intake to avoid other health issues.
Herbal teas like peppermint, sage, or parsley tea: These are believed to have lactation-suppressing properties. Always check with your doctor or lactation consultant before use.
Avoiding milk-boosting foods like malunggay (moringa), soup broths, and oats may help your body reduce milk supply naturally.
Natural vs. Medical Weaning: How to Choose?
Every mother’s journey is unique. Some prefer a gentle, baby-led weaning approach, while others may need a quicker, mother-led or medical weaning method. What matters most is choosing what fits both your needs and your baby’s.
| 🌸 Category | 🌿 Natural Weaning (Baby-Led) | 💊 Medical Weaning / Mother-Led |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Gradual reduction of feeds | Use of medication or specific foods to suppress lactation |
| Best for | Moms with time and flexibility | Moms who need to stop quickly or have excess milk |
| Common methods | Shorter feeding times, longer intervals, night weaning | Doctor-prescribed meds, barley malt water, leeks, etc. |
| Duration | 2–4 weeks or more | Medication: 3–7 days, Food-based: 1–2 weeks |
| Pros | Gentle, less emotional stress | Faster relief from discomfort |
| Possible downsides | Slower for high milk supply or urgent weaning | Side effects possible, needs doctor’s guidance |
| Care tips | Cold compresses, avoid stimulation | Cold packs, minimal expression, watch for mastitis |
Emotional and Physical Challenges of Weaning
One of the most common challenges in weaning is the emotional response—hearing your baby cry or feeling sadness yourself. Also, breast engorgement can cause discomfort.
But remember: stopping breastfeeding doesn’t break your bond with your baby. It’s simply a transition, and adding formula or solids is part of their growth.
- Formula is nutritionally complete and meets baby’s needs.
- Feeding schedules become more predictable, aiding routine.
- Less effort for baby compared to breastfeeding.
If You Experience Discomfort
- Cold compresses: Chilled cabbage leaves or towels for 15–20 minutes (avoid nipples).
- Gentle milk expression: Just enough to relieve pressure. Avoid full drainage.
- Loose bras: Breathable, non-restrictive bras prevent blocked ducts or mastitis.
Avoid indecision—frequent stimulation will prolong milk production and delay weaning.
Final Words
What is weaning? It’s not just physical—it's emotional too. Consider:
- Taking a photo of your last breastfeeding session
- Writing a diary entry to commemorate the moment
- Celebrating this new milestone with your baby
This chapter may be closing, but your love remains constant. You’ve given more than milk—you’ve given your baby love, comfort, and confidence.
If you ever feel unsure or need support, don’t hesitate to contact a lactation consultant or your pediatrician. You’re never alone in this journey.
