Ask our breastfeeding experts
There are no rules on when to finish breastfeeding. You can continue to breastfeed as long as you both are happy and enjoying feeds. It is normal for babies to continue to breastfeed after age 1.
We have separate guidance on weaning.
Stopping gradually
It's best to stop breastfeeding gradually over a period of weeks or months. This helps breastfeeding to end in a comfortable way for you and your baby.
Do not stop breastfeeding suddenly. This can be traumatic for you and your baby.
Stopping breastfeeding suddenly can also lead to problems such as:
- uncomfortably full breasts (engorgement)
- blocked ducts
- mastitis
When you stop breastfeeding gradually, your breasts can adjust without causing problems.
You can also choose to combination feed. This is when you feed your baby both breast milk and formula milk.
Combination feeding - breast milk and formula
If your baby is under 6 months
To stop breastfeeding a baby under 6 months, gradually reduce the number of times you breastfeed each day.
Give your baby a formula feed from a bottle at times when you're not breastfeeding.
- Phase out 1 breastfeed every 2 to 3 days for the first few weeks - begin with the daytime feeds first.
- When you feel your breasts are adjusting and your baby is getting used to the new routine, drop another 1 of their daily feeds.
- Keep doing this feed by feed, until your supply of breast milk has stopped completely.
Leave your morning breastfeed as the last to phase out. This is when you have the most milk.
Expressing milk
If your breasts feel overly full when dropping a feed, you can express breast milk until you are comfortable. You can also use cold compresses (ice packs) to reduce pain or swelling.
After you've phased out breastfeeding, you may prefer to continue expressing for a while. It's best to phase this out gradually too, so your breasts have time to adjust.
How to phase out expressing
Gradually try to reduce the length of your pumping sessions by a few minutes over a few weeks. Or you can try slowly increasing the amount of time between sessions.
Talk to your public health nurse (PHN) or ask a lactation expert for advice.
If your baby is 6 months to 1 year
At around 6 months you can begin to wean your baby onto solid foods.
Introducing solid foods
Continuing to breastfeed at the beginning of weaning can help your baby adapt to solid foods.
Your milk supply will adjust to this change. Your baby will continue to need milk feeds until they are 1 year old.
If you stop breastfeeding before they are age 1, give them formula milk instead.
Weaning breastfed babies (video)
Reducing pain and swelling
If your breasts feel overly full when dropping a feed, you can express breast milk until you are comfortable. You can also use cold compresses (ice packs) to reduce pain or swelling.
Some mothers may have some milk even months after stopping breastfeeding. This is normal.
Relieving symptoms of breast fullness
Toddlers and older children
Stopping breastfeeding can take time and patience. You'll need to offer your child substitutes and distractions such as food and attention.
Try to avoid offering breastfeeds. However, it may be more gentle to not refuse a breastfeed in the beginning.
You can change your routine by not sitting in your usual nursing chair. Take time to explain to your toddler what is going to change. Do this in language they can understand.
A bedtime routine can help them sense it's nearly time to sleep. This could be a song or story that can continue when breastfeeding has stopped.
Asking someone else to help with your child's bedtime or night time routine can also make things easier.
Sharing food
Offer your child a snack just before you expect them to ask for a breastfeed. This is to increase the length of time between feeds or shorten a feed.
Include your child in choosing the snacks or food they would like to eat at that time.
Sit with your child and have a drink and a snack yourself. This can show the pleasure of sharing food. It is also a way to give them attention and make up for the closeness of breastfeeding.
Suggest an interesting activity
An interesting activity will distract your child from breastfeeding.
For example:
- cook together
- join them in their play
- visit the park or a friend
- involve them in helping you with your work
Give your child your full attention.
If stopping breastfeeding is not going well
Ending breastfeeding may not go well at first. Your baby may also be unwell or teething.
Signs that stopping breastfeeding is moving too quickly include:
- crying
- anxiety
- thumb sucking
- more tantrums
- increased night waking
- new fears of separation and being clingy
Take a break
If the change is difficult for you or your baby, taking time out may help. Try waiting a few days before trying to stop breastfeeding again. It may become easier after a short break.
Give your baby emotional support
Babies and children need more emotional security at times like this.
Reduce other commitments and limit housework to essentials if you are trying to stop breastfeeding.
You can then give your child the attention they will need. Extra time spent cuddling, relaxing, or reading a book together will help.
Stopping breastfeeding when you're pregnant
Some mothers want to continue breastfeeding while pregnant. There are many ways around doing this. For some mothers it may not be recommended. Talk to your midwife or GP for advice.
Breastfeeding while you're pregnant
Get support
It's common to feel sad at the end of the breastfeeding relationship as your child is moving onto a new stage.
Get support if you're worried about stopping breastfeeding. Talk about your concerns with your family and friends.
You can also get advice from your PHN, lactation nurse or GP.