Weaning: What It Is and Types

Midwives understand weaning as a process that must be respectful for the baby but, at the same time, also for the mother. That you are ready and determined to close this special stage is one of the most important factors for a successful weaning.

Because yes, mothers matter too and we cannot approach this topic solely from the baby's perspective (although it is very important). Considering both parties is what allows weaning to be as respectful as possible.

Still, there are occasions when specific techniques and resources are needed to achieve that final goal, which is weaning (the technical term). Weaning is a subtle process, although breastfeeding consultants and midwives accompany it daily in consultations.

From our experience, we can offer you advice and tips for weaning your baby and help you say goodbye to this stage of motherhood with serenity.

Table of Contents

• What is weaning?
• What is the best time to wean a baby?
• Types of weaning
• Weaning by age
• How to wean
• Tips to speed up weaning and make it easier
• Methods to reduce milk production

Weaning is a gradual process in which the baby stops taking breast milk from their mother's breast.

We are talking not only about a way of feeding but also about attachment, comfort... And for many mothers, the breast is the "wild card" for almost everything... Does this happen to you or has it happened?

We know that weaning can be complex. In most cases, it is the mother who decides to start it without considering the baby's opinion, who, if they could express it, would likely not agree with the decision.

But don’t worry, there are numerous techniques that can be used to achieve weaning for your baby. Patience and support will be key to succeeding when you decide to close this stage of motherhood.

Duration of Weaning

Weaning always comes, sooner or later. Talking about a specific duration would be irresponsible. One weaning can take years, while another can take 3 days. Taking longer or shorter to wean your baby does not mean it has been done better or worse.

In general terms, respectful night weaning tends to be somewhat quicker (many families manage to do it in 5-7 days), but it is often experienced with greater intensity.

It should be noted that, especially in daytime weaning, setbacks can occur (these are normal and expected). For example, if your child just started preschool and seeks that type of love or has fallen ill and asks for the breast as a “pain reliever.”

What is the Best Time to Wean a Baby?

There are no magic formulas, and no two weanings are the same. Even if you are the same mother, you can be at different life moments, and (to make it more complicated) each of your babies has a unique character and specific needs.

Mothers wish for the weaning of breast milk to be quick, and it can be so. But it can also be a journey as arduous as the beginning of breastfeeding.

It is most common that one of the two is NOT ready for weaning. And, although some wean themselves, it is usually the baby who is not ready to take the step. However, in consultations, we encounter cases where it is the mothers who are not prepared (even though they believe they are).

The best time to wean is when you feel ready.

If this occurs before the baby is one year old, it may seem physiologically inappropriate for the baby, but there are still respectful methods. Despite this, be clear that starting this process can generate conflicting situations and even discomfort. What we should do is avoid making it a traumatic process, both for the baby and the mother.

However, in this article, we explain in detail when and how to stop breastfeeding respectfully.

When to Avoid Weaning?

We recommend not attempting to wean your baby during growth spurts or developmental stages: these are moments of significant milestones for the baby.

Developmental stages in which we recommend not starting weaning:

1. 4-month growth spurt (sleep regression).
2. 8-month growth spurt (separation anxiety, realizing they are an independent person).
3. 12-month growth spurt (slowing growth): there is a decrease in solid intake because if they grow less, they eat less.
4. 24-month growth spurt (the “terrible twos”): they want autonomy but also get frustrated easily, leading to crying episodes, tantrums, etc.

It is also not advisable to start during periods of change such as moving, vacations, the arrival of a sibling, or changing schools.

When weaning is necessary during one of these moments, it is possible, but you will likely take longer and find it more challenging.

In that case, try to postpone for a few weeks if feasible, first reduce the less important feedings, reinforce attachment and routines, and seek family or professional support to make the process as respectful as possible.

If during these stages you notice that the baby's rest worsens significantly, there are constant awakenings, or sleep becomes particularly difficult to manage, it may help to identify some signs of sleep problems in babies to better understand what is happening.

Types of Weaning

Weaning does not follow a single path. It can be guided by the baby or the mother, be partial (daytime or nighttime), be precipitated by an urgency, or be confused with a breastfeeding strike.

In the following sections, you will see what characterizes each option, when it makes sense, and how to apply it respectfully for both.

Baby-Led Weaning (or Natural Weaning)

Baby-led weaning or natural weaning usually occurs after 1 year. If it happens before this time, it is most likely a breastfeeding strike or false weaning (we will explain these next).

It can occur in mixed breastfeeding or when there is an illness or discomfort with swallowing/sucking (laryngitis), changes in routines (weaning), or certain breastfeeding positions (that are not comfortable).

Although this can happen, we must say that it is rare for this type of weaning to occur before the first year of life.

Mother-Led Weaning

The most common type of weaning is mother-led (or family-led), and it occurs when you need to stop breastfeeding (for whatever reason).

When you make that decision, try not to show that you want to wean. It may seem obvious, but many babies and children embrace disobedience: if you say “I’m not going to give you the breast,” it is likely that from that moment on, they will ask for it more.

Stay calm, avoid announcing prohibitions, and look for alternatives that gradually replace the breast.

Emergency or Premature Weaning (Weaning in 3 Days)

An emergency or premature weaning is one that requires breastfeeding to be abruptly interrupted, unplanned, due to an unexpected event: a serious illness of the mother or a forced separation from the baby.

It is an abrupt weaning that usually happens in a few days. The mother and baby will need a lot of support to achieve it successfully (if it is already complicated to do it gradually, doing a weaning in 3 days, for example, is usually very tough).

False Weaning

As we have seen, a period in which the baby ingests less milk because they are taking other foods (weaning) or is easily distracted should not be confused with weaning.

It is most likely that if this happens before the year, it is a false weaning.

Partial Weaning: Nighttime or Daytime

Partial weaning can be daytime or nighttime. Daytime weaning usually begins, for example, when the mother returns to work.

However, many women choose to start respectful nighttime weaning. The reason is obvious: they want to sleep better, but unfortunately, this is often not the case.

If you have considered doing partial nighttime weaning solely to sleep better (note that this is a significant reason), you might want to focus on improving the baby's sleep quality, as nighttime weaning does not necessarily mean sleeping more and better.

Babies have awakenings even if they do not breastfeed, and sometimes not resorting to the breast to soothe the baby can prolong the time it takes for them to fall back asleep.

When your baby only falls asleep at the breast, the most effective approach is to create a new sleep routine with something that gradually replaces it: bottle (food), comfort object, music, story, your clothing, babywearing, etc.

We will keep the breast while introducing that new element until it is well established and the breast can be removed as a sleep aid.

Breastfeeding Strike

We refer to a transitory period in which the baby suddenly rejects the breast, without a real weaning occurring. It may manifest as only accepting to breastfeed in certain positions or at specific moments/situations, or becoming distracted and rejecting the breast.

It is usually due to changes (illness, discomfort while sucking, stress, routine alterations) and is resolved by identifying the cause and accompanying the process.

Be careful not to confuse it with a hunger strike, in which the child does not eat if you are not home and when you arrive, they pull your shirt to breastfeed.

Weaning by Age

Weaning does not follow the same guidelines by age. In the first months, milk remains the main food, and strategies must be very gradual. After the year, the child understands more and accepts different changes.

During the First Year

If the baby is under 6 months, their diet should be exclusively milk. If you have been able to create your own milk bank, you can continue feeding them with breast milk on a deferred basis until the supplies run out.

To ensure the appropriate amount for their age, it is most common to transition to mixed breastfeeding: expressed breast milk (deferred) along with formula, until they reach 1 year.

There are many type 1 formulas on the market. Before choosing, consult with their pediatrician which one they recommend.

Also, the formula should be offered on demand (in each can, you will find age-appropriate measures), and keep in mind that babies with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) usually have more feedings of smaller amounts.

After 6 months, milk remains the main food, although other foods are introduced. Therefore, milk is offered first, followed by complementary foods.

Our recommendation is to continue with type 1 formula whenever possible, as its characteristics are more similar to breast milk. The switch to type 2 is not necessary (although type 1 is usually more expensive).

We will continue offering on demand and considering the indicative amounts stated on the packaging.

After the First Year

After the year, the baby can take other types of milk that are not formula, such as cow's or goat's milk... We should offer no more than 500 mg per day of these types of milk.

How to Wean

Before diving into specific techniques, it is advisable to organize the process. Weaning works better when you know why your baby asks for the breast, anticipate difficult moments, and proceed gradually.

1. Identify the reason for each feeding: It can be hunger, seeking affection, refuge, boredom, laziness, comfort, sleep, frustration, pain, or discomfort. Knowing why they ask for the breast will help you decide what to do in each case.
2. Anticipate tense moments: Anticipation will help us avoid complicated situations (especially if the feeding is due to hunger).
3. Do it gradually: Start by reducing the least important feedings and replace them with other comforting methods.

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