breastfeeding: when baby doesn't want to stop
overview
there may be times when you want to stop breastfeeding, but your baby shows signs of wanting to continue. if possible, keep breastfeeding a while longer. if you can't, then try these tips:
- offer breast milk pumped from your breast, formula, or whole cow's milk (if your baby is 9 to 12 months of age and eating a variety of iron-rich foods) in a cup or bottle. do this before you breastfeed or between breastfeedings. slowly increase the amount in the cup or bottle. if possible, have someone else feed your baby with a bottle or cup.
- if your baby spits out the bottle nipple when first starting to bottle-feed, keep trying. experiment with different nipple types. it often takes time for a breastfed baby to get used to an artificial nipple. or it may be time to use a cup.
- if your weaned baby wants to nurse again, try giving your baby extra hugs and attention instead of going back to the old way of feeding.
current as of: july 10, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
