How To: Stop breastfeeding

Is it that time? Time to wean your baby or toddler from the breast? In this tutorial, learn how to button your shirt for good with the help of these steps.

You Will Need:
• Pumped breast milk, formula, or another drink or snack
• A cup or bottle
• A pediatrician (optional)

Step 1: Wean gradually
Stop breastfeeding gradually, knowing that the process could take weeks or months.

Step 2: Decide whether to bottle-feed
Decide whether to give your baby a bottle. If they're less than one year old, they still need pumped breast milk or formula and may need to suck on a bottle to be soothed.

Step 3: Replace breastfeeding with bottle feedings
Replace breastfeeding with bottle feedings one feeding at a time. Once your baby consistently accepts the bottle at one feeding, add another.

Step 4: Offer toddlers a cup or snack
Offer toddlers a cup of pumped breast milk, formula, whole milk, or water; or a snack of solid foods instead of breastfeeding.

Step 5: Change your routine
Change a toddler's routine to avoid the things they associate with breastfeeding. If you had a habit of breastfeeding in a rocking chair, read her stories on the couch instead.

Step 6: Offer extra cuddles
Offer extra cuddles and special time with your baby or toddler. Let them know that you're still there for them, even if you're no longer breastfeeding.

Trivia: In theory, men are capable of breastfeeding.