How to stop breastfeeding in a toddler?

Question

Hello doctor,

My daughter is 20 months old and still breastfeeding. She did not fall asleep without breastfeeding, even though she had some solids. Her weight is 11.1 kg. So is there any easy way to ween off toddlers abruptly, like any gel or balm that mums can apply on their breasts, and toddlers may not like the taste and quit breastfeeding? Once I tried the no daytime feeding method, but she needs it before nap and bedtime. She cannot fall asleep without feeding. I also tried cow's and formula milk, but she does not take them in a bottle or cup. Any advice for me so she would sleep independently without feeding on breastmilk?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Firstly I would like to appreciate that you are bread feeding up to 20 months because it is the best gift for your child. Change the place you are breastfeeding. Find a new place and time to breastfeed so that the child is not used to it and does not want to feed anymore because the place is new. Adjustments to breastfeeding routines and habits-

Drop one breastfeed at a time, and wait a few days before you drop the next one. This will also be easier on your breasts, which might get engorged if you stop too suddenly.
Consider dropping daytime breastfeeds first, then gradually dropping bedtime or nighttime feeds. These are probably the ones that give your child the most comfort.
Encourage shorter feeds if your child likes to fall asleep at the breast. You could tell your child before breastfeeding that you will do something fun together afterward. This might encourage your child to finish their feed more quickly. If your child wakes in the night for breastfeeding, let your partner or someone else settle your child with a cuddle or a cup of water.
Occasionally replace a breastfeed with a grown-up alternative. For example, your child might be excited about having a special but healthy drink like a babyccino at a cafe when they would normally be at home breastfeeding. Introduce a few limits, like not breastfeeding when you are out or feeding only after lunch during the day.

Distractions

Introduce activities and outings into your daily routine, so your child is too busy and distracted to think about breastfeeding.
Try the out-of-sight, out-of-mind principle. This involves leaving your child with someone they are comfortable with at times when they would normally have a breastfeed. Your child will be less likely to miss breastfeeding if you are not around.
Avoid dressing and undressing while your child is around, and wear clothes that make it hard for your child to get to your breasts – for example, dresses rather than separates.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.