Weaning With Love
Whether you stop at six weeks or two years, here is how to wean gently — for your baby's heart and your own.
There is no wrong time to wean. The right time is the one that is right for you and your baby. What matters is doing it slowly, kindly, and with as much grace as you can manage.
Go slowly when you can
Dropping one feed every five to seven days gives your body time to adjust and reduces the risk of engorgement, blocked ducts and mastitis. It also gives your baby time to grieve a small thing rather than a big thing.
Comfort the rest of them
- Offer extra cuddles, especially at the times you used to feed.
- Introduce a new bedtime ritual — a book, a song, a gentle back rub.
- Let someone else handle the feeds you drop, if it feels easier.
Be kind to your body
Engorgement happens. Express just enough to feel comfortable — not enough to fully empty. Cold compresses help. Silver cups continue to soothe even now, as your supply quietly recedes.
Be kind to your heart
Weaning is a real ending. Tears are allowed. So is relief. Often both, in the same afternoon. You did something extraordinary, whatever the timeline.