Breastfeeding is a journey that can sometimes take unexpected turns. While many mothers plan to nurse for a certain amount of time, life may present challenges that can lead to weaning earlier than expected. If you’re facing this situation, it’s natural to feel stressed and disappointed. This guide will help you navigate the adjustment of an unplanned weaning, offering practical advice and emotional support to help both you and your baby adjust to this transition.

What is Unplanned Weaning?

Unplanned weaning happens when either the baby suddenly refuses to breastfeed, or the mother needs to stop breastfeeding earlier than expected.^1,2 This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Too Many Bottles: If your baby is offered bottles frequently, they may develop a preference for the fast easy flow, leading to fussiness during breastfeeding or outright refusal of the breast.
• Too Little Breastfeeding: Life changes like the baby sleeping through the night, mother returning to work, supplemental bottles, or a distracted or active baby can cause the baby to lose interest in breastfeeding if they don’t have the opportunity to breastfeed much.
• Low Milk Supply: If milk supply is low and the baby needs frequent supplementation, they may become frustrated with breastfeeding, have trouble maintaining a proper latch, or show signs of distress such as pulling away or crying.
• Return to Work or School: The demands of work or school can disrupt your breastfeeding or pumping routine, making it difficult or impractical to continue breastfeeding or pumping as planned.
• Personal Circumstances: Family stress, life changes, or other personal challenges can sometimes make breastfeeding or pumping harder to continue.
• Health Issues: If you or your baby are dealing with health concerns, breastfeeding may need to end unexpectedly due to medical reasons or treatment.

Tips for Weaning

In some situations, you may need to stop breastfeeding abruptly but in general, weaning slowly can ease both the physical and emotional transition for you and your baby.^1,2

• Shorten Feedings Gradually: If you’re still breastfeeding, try to shorten each feeding session a little at a time. For example, reduce each session by 5 minutes every few days. This helps reduce engorgement and gives your baby time to adjust.
• Replace One Feeding at a Time: Start by replacing one breastfeeding session with a bottle or cup of expressed breast milk or formula. Begin with a feeding your baby is less attached to, and gradually replace the others over time.
• Manage Engorgement: To reduce swelling and relieve engorgement, apply ice packs or cold compresses to your breasts in between feedings or pumping sessions. Make sure not to apply ice directly to the skin to avoid injury.
• Herbal Remedies: Some herbal remedies like sage tea or peppermint may be used to help reduce milk supply.
• Medications: If you need to stop breastfeeding suddenly and your body is not adjusting quickly enough, medications (either over-the-counter or prescribed) can help reduce milk production. Discuss this option with your healthcare provider or Lactation Consultant.
• Exclusive Pumping: If your baby is no longer interested in breastfeeding but you want to continue offering the benefits of breast milk, exclusive pumping can be an option.

Be Patient and Offer Comfort

When breastfeeding ends, your baby may seek comfort in other ways. It’s important to continue offering emotional support through plenty of cuddles, soothing words, and physical closeness.^1,2

• Stay Calm and Consistent: While the transition may be difficult, try to stay calm. Offer comfort through familiar routines and consistent actions—this helps your baby feel secure during the change.
• Hold your Baby Close: Hold your baby close, offer hugs, rock them gently, or cuddle more often to provide reassurance and a sense of comfort.
• Create New Routines: Establishing new forms of comfort can help your baby adjust. Consider introducing a favorite toy, a warm bath, or additional storytime to replace breastfeeding.
• Get Help: Weaning can be an emotional journey for both you and your baby. Having your partner’s support during this time, whether that means sharing the responsibility of comforting your baby, taking a more active role during feedings, or simply being there to offer reassurance can make the process seem less overwhelming.

Seek Support

Unplanned weaning can be a lonely experience, but reaching out for support can make all the difference. Here are some resources that may help:^1,2

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
• Lactation Q & A
• Moms Circle

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References