Topic Overview

Sometimes a mother wants to stop breastfeeding, but her baby shows signs of wanting to continue. If possible, continue breastfeeding a while longer. If this is not possible, the following suggestions may help you:
- Offer breast milk pumped from your breast, formula, or cow's milk (if your baby is more than 9 to 12 months of age and eating a variety of iron-rich foods) in a cup or bottle before you breastfeed or between breastfeedings. Slowly increase the amount in the cup or bottle. If possible, have someone else feed your baby with a bottle or cup.
- If your baby spits out the bottle nipple when first starting to bottle-feed, keep trying. Experiment with different nipple types. It often takes time for a breastfed baby to get used to an artificial nipple. Or it may be time to use a cup.
- If your baby suddenly refuses to nurse when you are trying to wean gradually, pump your breasts for comfort. Pump less milk from your breasts each day.
- If your weaned baby wants to nurse again, try giving your baby extra hugs and attention instead of going back to the old way of feeding.
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Credits
Current as of: August 22, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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Related Information- Top of the page
Current as of: August 22, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics