How to Stop Breastfeeding: Weaning Gently

The NHS says there is no single correct method for stopping breastfeeding. ¹ The NHS also says weaning should be done gradually rather than abruptly, because phasing out gently helps prevent problems like engorged breasts and mastitis. ¹ Below is what recognised health bodies say about weaning gently, quoted and linked.

Key takeaways

• The NHS says there is no single correct method for stopping breastfeeding. ¹
• The NHS says weaning should be gradual, because phasing out gently helps prevent engorged breasts and mastitis. ¹
• The AAP says to reduce breastfeeding sessions gradually, tapering off over weeks or even months. ²
• La Leche League says that if you become engorged while weaning, you should express only a little milk for comfort, not a full feed. ³

**A quick, honest note:** we're not medical professionals - everything here was researched by us from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page, and it isn't professional advice. Read our full note ↓

Why should weaning be gradual?

The NHS says weaning from breastfeeding should be done gradually rather than abruptly, because phasing out gently helps prevent problems like engorged breasts and mastitis. ¹ La Leche League says weaning gradually rather than abruptly - "cold turkey" - reduces the risk of painful engorgement and breast infection. ³ And the NHS is reassuring about method: it says there is no single correct method for stopping breastfeeding. ¹

How to stop breastfeeding gradually

The NHS says that when gradually weaning, it is easiest to drop one breastfeed at a time rather than stopping all feeds at once. ¹ The American Academy of Pediatrics says ideally breastfeeding sessions should be reduced gradually, tapering off over a period of weeks or even months, ² and describes a pace: gradually reducing how often you nurse by eliminating a feeding every two or three days, or even once a week, can help weaning proceed smoothly. ² La Leche League suggests allowing a few days, or weeks if possible, between each time you replace a breastfeeding session with a bottle. ³

For an older child, the American Academy of Pediatrics describes a low-key option: for a child aged one or older, an effective way to begin gradual weaning is to simply not offer a feeding and wait to see if the child requests it. ²

What do I replace a feed with?

The answer depends on age. The NHS says that for a baby under 1 year, each dropped breastfeed should be replaced with a formula feed from a bottle, or a cup or beaker if the baby is over 6 months. ¹

What if I get engorged while weaning?

La Leche League addresses this directly. It says that if you become engorged while weaning, you should express only a little milk for comfort to relieve pressure - not a full feeding's worth - so your body gradually makes less milk. ³

Frequently asked questions

Is there a right way to stop breastfeeding?

The NHS says there is no single correct method. ¹

Why not just stop all at once?

The NHS says gradual weaning helps prevent engorged breasts and mastitis. ¹

What do I replace a feed with?

The NHS says formula from a bottle for a baby under 1, or a cup or beaker if over 6 months. ¹

What if I get engorged?

La Leche League says to express only a little for comfort, not a full feed. ³

A note from us

We're the team behind Yael & Michal. We are not doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, or psychologists, and nothing here is professional advice.

Everything above was researched by us from public, reputable sources - we name and link every one of them below - and summarized as carefully as we could, as a free resource for other mothers. We do this because we wished something like it had existed for us.

When we name an organisation such as the CDC, the NHS, La Leche League, or the Israeli Ministry of Health, we are only citing their published guidance; it does not mean they endorse, sponsor, approve, or are affiliated with us. They have no involvement with this site, and we never use their logos or seals.

Yael & Michal sells nursing bras, which are comfort garments and not medical devices; we do not claim they prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. The health information here is written for you as a free resource - it is separate from anything we sell.

We try hard to get it right, and we cite our sources so you can check us. But we are not a medical authority, and this cannot replace talking to a professional who knows you and your baby. Please check anything that matters with your doctor, midwife, or an IBCLC lactation consultant. This content has not been reviewed by a medical professional. Reading this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship, or any other professional relationship, between you and us.

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Sources

1. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/how-to-stop/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
2. HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics). https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Weaning-Your-Baby.aspx (retrieved 2026-07-10).
3. La Leche League International. https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/weaning-how-to/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).