I weaned my 14 month old in 1 month!
Breastfeeding my babies has been one of the most beautiful parts of motherhood for me. 🤍
With my first baby, I breastfed for 22 months, and while I’m so grateful for that journey, I remember feeling like I didn’t really have a plan for how we would eventually stop.
The second time around, I wanted the transition to feel more intentional and a little gentler for both of us.
So with my youngest daughter, I breastfed her for 14 months, and when it was time to wean, I slowly started following her cues after 12 months, reducing feeds, and focusing more on comfort and connection instead of nursing.
Before I knew it, she went from nursing throughout the day… to just evenings… and eventually she fell asleep in my arms one night without needing the breast.
And that ended up being our last time.
Weaning can feel bittersweet, but going slow made it feel like such a natural transition for both of us.
If you’re a mama trying to gently wean your baby, I hope this encourages you. And if you know a mom who might need this, send it to her. 🤍
From my personal experience, gently weaning your baby over a month can be a beautiful and manageable process when you follow their natural cues closely. Babies often show clear signs when they're ready for this new phase, such as increased interest in table foods, using a sippy cup or straw, and nursing for comfort rather than nutrition. Paying attention to these behaviors can guide you in reducing breastfeeding sessions gradually. I found that structuring the weaning timeline week-by-week really helped me and my baby adapt steadily. For example, in the first week, I focused on dropping the morning feed while still maintaining comfort nursing times. By the second week, I reduced both morning and afternoon feeds, shifting towards solid snacks and offering water in a sippy cup. Week three involved limiting nursing to the evening and pre-bedtime feed, promoting other soothing methods like hugs or a favorite comfort item. Eliminating nighttime feeds can feel challenging, but it’s a crucial step for many mamas. Transitioning to no overnight feedings might involve offering gentle reassurance and alternative comfort strategies like gentle rocking or a cozy bedtime routine. Establishing consistency is key; following through gently yet firmly helps your baby understand the new rhythm. I also incorporated comforting items and moments — hugs, kisses, and a favorite blanket or stuffed toy — to fill the emotional space nursing once held. This helped both my baby and me maintain a strong bond during the transition. Many parents find herbal teas like "No Flow Tea" beneficial to support milk supply adjustments, though they should always consult their healthcare provider before use. Sharing this journey with a supportive community or other moms can provide encouragement and valuable tips. Ultimately, the goal is to honor your baby’s pace and needs, making weaning a positive experience for both of you. If you’re considering weaning, remember patience and responsiveness make this lifestyle change smoother and more nurturing. Sending this guidance to fellow mamas can help spread support and understanding in the parenting community.
I need this advice. I'm thinking about starting this soon for my first.