How do I stop my 18 month old from breastfeeding?

Understanding the Weaning Process
Weaning your 18-month-old from breastfeeding can be a significant transition for both you and your child. At this age, toddlers often have a strong emotional attachment to breastfeeding, which serves not only as a source of nutrition but also as a comfort and bonding experience. However, if you feel ready to stop breastfeeding, there are effective strategies to make this process smoother.
Timing and Readiness
Assessing readiness is crucial. Both you and your child should feel prepared for this change. The decision to wean can stem from various reasons, including personal comfort, lifestyle changes, or the desire for your child to explore other nutritional sources. It’s important to approach this transition with patience and understanding, allowing for emotional adjustments on both sides.
Gradual Weaning Techniques
Gradual weaning is often the most effective approach. Instead of abruptly stopping breastfeeding, consider reducing the frequency of sessions over time. This method allows your child to adjust gradually, minimizing potential distress. Start by eliminating one feeding session at a time, preferably the least favorite one for your child. This could be during the day when distractions are more plentiful.
Change your routine to help signal this transition. For instance, if you typically breastfeed in a specific chair, try avoiding that spot. Instead, create new routines that involve cuddling or reading together, which can fulfill your child’s need for closeness without breastfeeding.
Offering Alternatives
As you reduce breastfeeding sessions, introduce alternatives to meet your child’s nutritional needs. Offer a sippy cup with milk or a healthy smoothie during times they would typically breastfeed. This not only provides nutrition but also helps your child associate mealtime with new experiences.
Additionally, ensure that your child feels comforted and secure during this time. Spend quality time together, engaging in activities that foster connection and reassurance. This emotional support can help ease the transition away from breastfeeding.
Handling Resistance
It’s common for toddlers to resist weaning, especially if they are particularly attached to breastfeeding. If your child protests, remain calm and consistent. Acknowledge their feelings and offer comfort in other ways, such as hugs or engaging in play. Remember, this process may take time, and it’s okay to encounter setbacks along the way.
Conclusion
Weaning your 18-month-old from breastfeeding is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt. By gradually reducing breastfeeding sessions, changing routines, and providing emotional support, you can help your child transition smoothly. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that both you and your child feel comfortable and secure as you navigate this new phase of development.

Can I stop breastfeeding at 18 months?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

What are the side effects of stopping breastfeeding?

Some might experience headaches or migraines, while others feel exhausted or even dizzy immediately after weaning. Another common post-weaning issue? Acne. Big hormone changes can really throw your body for a loop.

Is it normal for an 18 month old to still breastfeed?

Yes, she will eventually self-wean, but you may decide you are done before that. Her nursing now is not causing any harm and there is benefit. In fact, it’s recommended to breastfeed until AT LEAST 2 by the World Health Organization.

Why is my 18 month old obsessed with breastfeeding?

But toddlers don’t just nurse for nutrition or quench their thirst; they do so when they are craving connection, attention, are tired, bored, etc. So your toddler may want to nurse a lot sometimes. Other times, they may only nurse a few times a day. This is normal.

How long does it take for breast milk to dry up after 18 months?

Some people may stop producing milk over just a few days. For others, it may take several weeks for their milk to dry up completely. It’s also possible to experience let-down sensations or leaking for months after suppressing lactation.

Can 18 month old survive on breastmilk?

It’s entirely normal and natural to breastfeed an older child. In Australia, 28% of children are still breastfeeding at 12 months. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that children be breastfed for at least 2 years.

How many times a day should I breastfeed my 18 month old?

Each mother child feeding relationship is unique, there is not a one size fits all approach. Some 12-18 month old toddlers still want to feed 5 x day and as they get older the frequency begins to drop. Others are content to feed 3 x per day, whilst others like to feed through the day and night.

How do I know if my milk supply is drying up at 18 months?

Some signs that your baby isn’t getting enough milk when they feed and may indicate a supply problem include the following:

1. Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day.
2. Lack of weight gain.
3. Signs of dehydration.

How do I get my 18 month old to stop breastfeeding?

How to Stop Breastfeeding — at 1 year old, 14, 15, and even 18 months?

• Take away one feeding at a time
• Eliminate the easiest feedings first
• Offer a meal instead of nursing.
• Give a cup at each meal, and place either breast milk or cow’s milk in the cup.

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.