Phone Numbers
Directory assistance
(203) 688-4242
Patient information
(203) 688-4177
Adult emergency
(203) 688-2222
Children's emergency
(203) 688-3333
Admitting
(203) 688-2221
Children's admitting
(203) 688-3331
Mailing address:
Yale-New Haven Hospital
20 York Street
New Haven, CT
06510-3202
Weaning
Gradual weaning is easiest for you and your baby and can be done by eliminating one daily feeding every other day. If your baby is nine months or younger, replace breast milk with formula. If your baby is older than nine months, you may be able to replace the breastfeeding with baby food or cup feedings (rather than a bottle).
With gradual weaning, your baby will adjust better to giving up breastfeeding, and your body will adjust better to the changes in your hormones. Abrupt weaning can cause pain and depression as your hormones fluctuate quickly. Talk to your baby's nurse practitioner or doctor before you start weaning.
Many women continue to breastfeed once or twice a day even after their baby is on solid foods. Babies and mothers like the continued closeness of that last feeding before bedtime.
Your partner should be included in the weaning process to help you and your baby adjust to the change. Dad may be able to take over some of the rituals established with nursing by bottle feeding and rocking until you have weaned and the baby does not want to go back to the breast. Weaning is a change that affects everyone. Having help at this time from your partner is a great support for you.
Talk to your health care provider and lactation consultant if you are weaning for any of these reasons:
- You have mastitis.
- Your baby has teeth.
- You are returning to work.
- You are taking medication.
- You are ill or need to be hospitalized (See Maternal Illness or Surgery).
- Your baby is ill or needs to be hospitalized.
- See Breastfeeding Resources, Good Books for Moms
Continue: Maternal illness or surgery
Last revised: May 31, 2007 (dh)
