Weaning

Weaning is the progression from breastfeeding to giving formula or milk in a cup or bottle.

Babies under 12 months will need to switch to an infant formula given in a bottle or cup.
By 12 months some babies are proficient enough to go straight to a training cup if desired. At this age, you may use cow’s milk providing baby is having three meals a day and a well-balanced diet. (Offer a small amount of cow’s milk in baby’s solids first, and increase the amount slowly over the next few days).

This depends on your lifestyle and your baby’s needs. Breastfeed for as long as you and baby desire.
Some babies make the decision themselves.
Don’t start when baby is unwell.
Allow enough time to wean gradually. This is more comfortable, and avoids the risk of mastitis – a serious breast infection that can result from the build up of too much milk.

If breasts are very full and uncomfortable, express a little milk.
If breasts are painful, take paracetamol tablets as directed.
Wear a firm bra for extra support.
Occasionally, medication for suppression of lactation may be prescribed by your doctor.
Going back to work doesn’t mean you have to wean. You can express at work.
Keep the milk cold and use it the next day, or freeze.
If working, you may prefer to breastfeed morning and evening and give formula or expressed breast milk during the day.
Discuss an individual plan that suits your needs in consultation with your Child Health Nurse.

Start by eliminating one feed only, perhaps in the middle of the day, and substitute this with cow’s milk or formula in a cup or bottle.
After eliminating a feed, it may take two to seven days for your breasts to become comfortable.
When breasts have adjusted, eliminate a second breastfeed (but not a consecutive feed).
Continue replacing one breastfeed every two to seven days with a cup or bottle, until all breast feeding ends. The last to go should be the early morning feed (it’s when you have the most milk) or the evening feed (if it helps you settle the baby at night).

Extra cuddles (not when baby is hungry) help you and baby break the ties of breastfeeding. Weaning begins a more independent relationship for both of you.
Hungry babies become agitated and are often more difficult to feed. Try feeding a little earlier than usual.
Baby has come to expect to be breastfed when held in your arms, so for the first few times you give the bottle, try a new position (e.g. a baby rocker) that enables you to maintain eye contact.
If baby refuses the bottle from you, ask someone baby is familiar with to give the feed.
If baby is used to feeding to sleep, or a quick feed to resettle in the middle of the night, develop a bedtime routine and settling technique such as patting, singing or talking softly that comforts baby in other ways. Gradually decrease the time at the breast, placing the emphasis on the settling.