Breastfeeding your babyis a memorable phase, but it doesn’t last forever.
At some point, every nursing mom starts to get the sense that it might be time to stop.
But exactly when that feeling hits can be different for everyone.
Ultimately, it’s okay tobegin weaning your babywhenever you feel ready, experts say.
All are completely valid.
Your mental health is suffering
Every nursing session doesn’t have to feel like rainbows and flowers.
Read This Next
Depending on your situation, you might opt to trysupplementing with formula.
With the right approach, most babies do fine going back and forth frombreast to bottle.
It’s also okay to switch completely toformula, if that’s what you’d prefer.
If you suspect your baby is affected, talk to the pediatrician.
Some, like a little bit ofgas, can be short-lived and harmless.
A hungry, fussy baby could also be another sign of low milk supply.
But it’s also hard work.
“I felt like I was always pumping, cleaning parts, etc.
“I felt myself spiraling.”
So if you just want to be done, that’s a-okay.
The decision on when to stop breastfeeding is your choice.
“It’s absolutely okay to stop simply because you’re ready,” Dr. Segura says.
“I switched to formula, and my mental health almost immediately improved.
Everyone is different, and for me, switching to formula completely turned my life around.”
When you should not stop breastfeeding
Breastfeeding comes with important benefits for your baby.
So if you’re feeling good about nursing and your baby is growing and thriving, keep it up!
On the other hand?
If you’re hitting some speedbumps while breastfeeding but you want to continue, you should absolutely keep trying.
“Having the right support can be instrumental,” Dr. Segura says.
Your baby’s pediatrician and a lactation consultant are good places to start.
Theyre completely normal, and they wont last.
If you want to keep going but are running into challenges, seek support.
If you want to keep going but are running into challenges, seek support.
