How to stop breastfeeding

Over time your baby will stop looking to be breastfed if you gradually increase the gaps between feeds by offering your baby a drink from a cup or a bottle instead, or a snack if they’re eating solid foods. It’s important not to stop breastfeeding suddenly as this can lead to engorgement and mastitis.

If your baby is under 1 when you decide to stop you’ll need to give them formula but 1 year olds+ can have cow's milk.

Again, it’s important to stop breastfeeding gradually. Toddlers can sometimes be a little resistant to change, so these tips might help avoid some tantrums and tears!

• One approach is to keep on breastfeeding only when your little one asks, but stop offering them the breast at any other time and give them drink from a cup instead. If they are a bit older, tell them your plans to stop breastfeeding.
• If they are old enough to understand about time, you could make stopping a special date to aim for. This way, they might be prepared when the time comes.

When you stop breastfeeding, your breasts may seem a little droopy, but they'll perk up again over the following months as fatty tissue begins to replace the milk-producing tissue. Make sure to wear a good fitting bra to avoid any lasting effects. You can find out what to look for in our page on getting a new bra.