When to stop nursing

The American Academy of pediatrics recommends nursing throughout the first year. This is certainly good if you can manage it. If you can't, or if your baby guides to wean herself early, remember that she will still have benefited from most of the advantages of breast-feeding.

The easiest way to stop nursing is simply to gradually reduce the time spent feeding. Let your baby be your guide. Most babies decide to completely wean themselves from the breast between nine and 14 months, refusing to nurse even though they are hungry for solid food or formula in a bottle or cup, though a few happily go on until two or even three years.

If you want to be the one who makes the decision, cut out one feeding every few days, replacing it with formula or formula and solid foods. Start with the lunchtime feeding, when your baby is feeling lively and independent, then move to other daytime meals. The last feeds to stop should be the first one in the morning and the last one at night, feedings for which there is the greatest emotional need. We named as gradually as possible the easiest on your baby and on you. Your milk supply will decrease naturally, preventing the physical discomfort of stopping suddenly.

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