How do I stop breastfeeding at 21 months?

Understanding the Weaning Process
Weaning from breastfeeding is a significant transition for both mother and child, especially at 21 months, when many toddlers are still heavily reliant on breast milk for comfort and nutrition. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for up to two years or longer, but the decision to stop is deeply personal and can be influenced by various factors, including the mother’s comfort, the child’s readiness, and lifestyle changes.
Preparing for Weaning
Before embarking on the weaning journey, it’s essential to prepare both yourself and your child. Communication is key. Even at 21 months, toddlers can understand simple explanations. Talk to your child about the process, framing it positively. For instance, you might say, “We’re going to start drinking more milk from a cup!” This helps them feel included in the decision and reduces anxiety about the change.
Gradual Reduction
A gradual approach is often the most effective and gentle way to wean. Start by reducing the number of breastfeeding sessions. You might choose to eliminate one feeding at a time, beginning with the least favorite session for your child, such as a mid-afternoon feed. This method allows your child to adjust slowly, making the transition smoother for both of you.
As you reduce sessions, consider replacing breastfeeding with other comforting activities. Cuddling, reading, or playing together can provide the emotional support your child needs during this transition. Additionally, introducing a cup or bottle with cow’s milk or a suitable alternative can help satisfy their nutritional needs.
Managing Discomfort
As you wean, your body will undergo changes, and you may experience discomfort or engorgement. To alleviate this, gradually reduce the time spent breastfeeding rather than stopping abruptly. If you feel overly full, express just enough milk to relieve pressure, but avoid emptying the breast completely to discourage further milk production.
Emotional Considerations
Weaning can be an emotional process. Both you and your child may experience feelings of sadness or loss. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and allow yourselves to grieve the end of this chapter. Support from friends, family, or breastfeeding counselors can be invaluable during this time.
Final Steps
Once you’ve successfully reduced breastfeeding sessions, you can begin to eliminate the last feedings. This might be the morning or bedtime session, which are often the most comforting for toddlers. Transitioning to a bedtime routine that doesn’t involve breastfeeding can help your child adjust. Consider incorporating a soothing activity, like a warm bath or a bedtime story, to replace the breastfeeding session.
Conclusion
Weaning at 21 months is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and love. By approaching the process gradually and thoughtfully, you can help your child transition smoothly while also taking care of your own emotional and physical needs. Remember, every child is different, and it’s perfectly okay to adapt your approach based on what feels right for both of you.

How often should a 21 month old breastfeed?

19 to 23 month old baby sample feeding schedule

6:00 AM	Optional nursing session (wake up)
11:30 AM	Lunch
2:30 PM	Afternoon snack
5:30/6:00 PM	Dinner
6:30/6:45 PM	Optional nursing session or pre-bedtime snack

How to put a 2 year old to sleep without breastfeeding?

So it’s important not to take away the other comforts that they are used to whilst you try to night wean. Co-sleeping, bed-sharing, cuddles, using a comforter like a toy. These can help the transition away from relying on the breast to settle back to sleep. Find other ways to settle your toddler at night.

How to stop breastfeeding a 2 year old naturally?

One approach is to drop 1 feeding session a week until your child takes all the feeds from a bottle or cup. If you want to give your child pumped breast milk, you’ll need to pump to keep up your milk supply. If you are weaning your child off breast milk, slowly dropping feeds can help avoid breast engorgement.

Is it okay to stop breastfeeding at 2 years old?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

But Dr Max Davie, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says there is limited evidence of additional nutritional benefit beyond the age of two. “By the age of two, a child should get all the nutrients required through their diet so there is no additional benefit to breastfeeding over this age.”

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding too long?

For example, duration of breastfeeding experience has been shown to correlate negatively with parent-reported antisocial and aggressive behavior in children from 4 to 11 years of age [43]. These effects on antisocial behavior appear to extend well beyond childhood into adulthood.

Why is my 21 month old nursing so much?

5 reasons your baby or toddler might be breastfeeding more frequently

• 1. They’re going through a grow spurt! Just as you’d expect a 6 year old to eat more when growing lots, so does a baby or toddler.
• 2. They’re fighting off a bug!
• 3. They’re going through a developmental leap!
• 4. They’re thirsty!
• 5. They’re teething!

How long does it take for a toddler to forget about breastfeeding?

Take it slow.
Some moms commit to weaning right away, with their toddlers fully weaned within a few weeks or a month or so.

How to wean a 21 month old from breastfeeding?

Gradually reduce the number of breastfeeding sessions. Start by dropping one feed at a time, perhaps beginning with daytime feeds before tackling bedtime or morning feeds. Don’t offer the breast at routine times, but when starting the weaning process, don’t refuse when asked.

Why is my 2 year old obsessed with breastfeeding?

Because breastfeeding is more than nutrients and calories. Breastfeeding gives the baby security, comfort and, yes, love. So, they stay on the breast and suck and suck and don’t get much in the way of nutrients, but they do get comfort.