Weaning From Breastfeeding: When and How to Stop Gently

Every breastfeeding journey ends at some point, and there’s no wrong reason to be ready. Some children drift away from nursing on their own. Other parents decide it’s time because of work, health, a new pregnancy or simply feeling done. However it happens, weaning from breastfeeding usually goes most smoothly when it’s gradual, so both you and your child have time to adjust.

This page gives you the big picture: what experts recommend, the main ways to wean and what to expect afterward. The detailed guides linked below walk you through each step.

How long do experts recommend breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its policy in 2022. It recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, then continued breastfeeding while you introduce solid foods, for as long as you and your child both want, for 2 years or beyond. The World Health Organization (WHO) gives the same advice: breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond, with safe, nutritious foods added from about 6 months.

These are recommendations for what’s possible, not a test you pass or fail. Any amount of breastfeeding counts. If you’re curious about nursing into the toddler years, our guide to extended breastfeeding covers the benefits and the practical side.

Child-led vs. parent-led weaning

	Child-led weaning	Parent-led weaning
What it means	Your child gradually nurses less and stops in their own time	You decide when to start reducing feeds
Typical pace	Slow, often over months	Weeks to months, at a pace you set
Good to know	Some children lose interest around their first birthday or in the toddler years; others nurse longer	Works best when gradual and paired with extra closeness

Many families end up somewhere in between. You might cut back to a couple of feeds a day, then let your child lead from there.

A short “nursing strike,” when a baby suddenly refuses the breast, is not the same as weaning. Strikes usually pass with patience. If your baby is under 12 months and suddenly stops nursing, talk to a lactation consultant before assuming they are ready.

The gradual approach

Whether you or your child leads, the same principle applies: replace one feed at a time.

1. Drop one feed every few days to a week. The AAP suggests skipping one feed every two or three days, or about once a week. The midday feed is often the easiest to start with.
2. Replace the feed with something else. Under 12 months, that means formula (or your expressed milk). Over 12 months, it can be a meal, a snack, a drink in a cup or simply a cuddle and a new activity.
3. Keep the most important feeds for last. Bedtime and first-thing-in-the-morning feeds are often the ones children hold onto longest.
4. Watch your body. If your breasts feel very full, slow down and express just enough to feel comfortable.

Our step-by-step guide on how to stop breastfeeding includes plans by age, night weaning and toddler tips. If you need to stop quickly, or you’re stopping after a loss, see how to dry up breast milk for comfort measures and support. If you’re mostly pumping, our guide on how to stop pumping has a session-by-session plan.

Stopping suddenly raises the risk of engorged breasts and mastitis, which is one more reason to go slowly when you can.

Emotions and hormonal changes after weaning

Weaning changes your hormones as well as your routine. Breastfeeding involves prolactin and oxytocin, and their levels fall as you nurse less. Many parents notice mixed feelings: relief, pride, sadness or a sense of loss. Some feel irritable or teary for a while, especially after weaning quickly. Your period may return, if it hasn’t already, and your breasts will gradually soften and change shape.

These feelings usually ease within a few weeks. If low mood, anxiety or tearfulness lasts longer than that, gets worse or makes it hard to cope, talk to your doctor. In the US, Postpartum Support International’s HelpLine (1-800-944-4773) offers support, and the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-852-6262) is available 24/7 by call or text. If you ever feel unsafe, call or text 988.

When to get help

Reach out to your doctor, your child’s doctor or an IBCLC if:

• You have a fever, a hard lump or a red, painful area on your breast while weaning.
• Your baby is under 12 months and you’re unsure how to replace breastfeeds.
• Your child is struggling with weaning in a way that worries you, such as not eating or drinking enough.
• You feel down or anxious for more than a couple of weeks.

Our breastfeeding support page lists where to find help, much of it free.