How to stop breastfeeding

The decision of when to stop breastfeeding is a very personal one. It can feel like finding a sweet spot between what’s right for your child, what’s right for you and even pressure from other people.

Once you have made the decision, actually stopping is not always clear cut. It can feel like one step forward, one step back at times but it is doable. Each breastfeeding relationship is different but below is some general advice that you may find helpful.

At a glance

The right time to stop breastfeeding is highly personal to you and your child.
It’s best to stop breastfeeding gradually, but going cold turkey can work better for some families.
Stopping gradually or expressing milk can prevent mastitis.

What age should you stop breastfeeding?

There’s no set age that you should stop breastfeeding. Many people have difficulties with it and manage just a few weeks, if it all. Others continue for two years and beyond as breastmilk continues to provide nutrients and comfort.

According to the World Health Organisation, breastfeeding should ideally continue for at least two years, alongside weaning onto solid foods from six months. However, this is a worldwide recommendation and in reality, a small minority of women in the UK breastfeed for that long. 80% stop before they want to, and just over 55% of mums are still breastfeeding after 8 weeks, though figures are rising.

Signs you and your child may be ready to stop breastfeeding include:

Your child is losing interest in breastfeeding and asking for it less and less.
Your child is very comfortable with alternative ways to drink and seek comfort.
You aren’t producing enough milk.
You are experiencing pain or physical discomfort.
There’s a building dislike of breastfeeding; you may feel tearful, angry, upset or even repulsed by it. Even if you’ve comfortably breastfed for a long time, these feelings can appear quite suddenly and it is not a reflection of your love for your child.

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What is the easiest way to stop breastfeeding?

The easiest way to stop breastfeeding is to do so gradually. If you have a regular routine, dropping one feed at a time phases it out and can be easier for both you and your child. They have time to adjust, and your supply will reduce gradually.

Tips for stopping breastfeeding gradually

Drop one feed from your routine every couple of weeks or so. You may want to keep the most important ones until last, often the first feed in the morning and last before bed.
If your baby is under 12 months old, breastfeeding will need to be replaced with formula. Above this age, you’ll just need to make sure they’re still drinking enough, ideally water and cow’s milk.
Read about the differences between bottle and breastfeeding if you’re introducing formula for the first time. Babies drink formula much faster and you’ll need to know about teat flow, sterilising and how much they need a day.

How to stop breastfeeding if I don’t have a feeding routine?

If you feed on demand, trying to cut back can become a one step forward, one step back process.

There is a technique called ‘don’t offer, don’t refuse’, which is when you stop offering breast milk to your child but still provide it if they ask for it. This can work very well in reducing feeds and your milk supply, but if your child asks for breast milk very frequently it may not be very effective.

It can help to identify why they’re asking for a feed, so you know what alternatives may help. Are they hungry, thirsty, or looking for comfort? It can take time for children to accept alternatives.

Can I just suddenly stop breastfeeding?

For some families, stopping suddenly can be a better option. If gradual decreasing of breastfeeding isn’t working, going cold turkey can be a difficult but less confusing adjustment for your child.

It’s crucial that your child doesn’t see this as rejection, so they may need a lot of extra cuddles and attention as they transition.

Tips for stopping breastfeeding cold turkey

Introduce new ways of getting to sleep and soothing your child before you stop breastfeeding entirely. Reading stories, rocking and singing to sleep are good, and they must be comfortable with bottles or cups to ensure they don’t get dehydrated once breastmilk disappears.
Find a way to say breastmilk is gone that your child can understand. If they are a toddler and have some language, clear lines like “milk is all gone” or a less final “boobies are broken at the moment” can really work.
Your child may be very upset at the beginning and you may hit a wall where you just want to give in. You will both get through though, if you persevere, and they will very probably ask less and less until they forget all about it.
Use a pump or hand express milk when your breasts are full. If you express less and less over time, they should stop producing milk completely in a few weeks. It’s important not to let them get overfull and just leave them as that can lead to mastitis.

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I don’t know how to get my baby to sleep without breastfeeding

Dropping night feeds can be really hard at first, especially if you nurse them to sleep. Your child may get extremely upset and the last thing any of you want in the middle of the night is an upset and angry child who is now overly tired but wide awake.

Some parents ‘night wean’ first. This is usually a gradual process and can help babies to sleep through the night, although it’s completely normal for children to still wake up once or twice at any age.

Changing your bedtime routine can be one of the best ways to cut out breastfeeding to sleep. Instead of just withdrawing breast milk, try replacing it with other comforting things. These could be a bottle or cup of milk or water, a bedtime snack while you read them stories, and singing nursery rhymes together as they fall asleep.

You probably will have a few bad nights where they wake and expect breast milk but they will get used to falling asleep without it.

FAQs

Will my baby find it difficult to stop breastfeeding?

Some babies adapt quickly, while others may need more reassurance and comfort during the transition. Offering cuddles, distractions and maintaining familiar routines can help make the change easier. It’s important to be patient and give both yourself and your baby time to adjust emotionally and physically.

How can I stop breastfeeding slowly?

Stopping breastfeeding gradually is usually more comfortable for both parent and baby. Dropping one feed at a time over several days or weeks can help your body adjust and reduce the risk of discomfort or engorgement. You can also replace feeds with formula, cow’s milk (if your child is over one), snacks or comforting routines, depending on your child’s age.

When is the right time to stop breastfeeding?

There is no perfect time to stop breastfeeding, it depends on what feels right for you and your baby. Some parents stop after a few weeks, while others continue for months or longer. Many families choose to gradually reduce feeds when returning to work, starting nursery or moving onto solid foods.