Breastfeeding

• Home
  • Importance of breastfeeding
  • Planning to breastfeed
  • Multicultural information
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander information
  • How to breastfeed
  • Breastfeeding problems
  • 12+ months on the breast resources
• Information for mothers and families
  • Importance of breastfeeding
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Breastfeeding problems
  • Where do I get help
  • Looking after yourself
  • Weaning
  • Expressing milk
  • Storing breastmilk
  • Factsheets and links
  • Information for partners and grandparents
  • Work and breastfeeding
  • 12+ months on the breast resources
• Information for health professionals
  • Work and breastfeeding
  • Medications and breastfeeding
  • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander breastfeeding
  • Multicultural breastfeeding information
  • Baby friendly health initiative
  • Links and factsheets
  • 12+ months on the breast resources
  • Health professionals education and resources
  • Assisting mothers to breastfeed
• Feedback for health professionals
• Feedback for consumers

Weaning



Babies need only breastmilk until 6 months old, and a combination of solids and breastmilk until at least 12 months.

The main reason mothers stop breastfeeding is because they think they don’t have enough milk, sometimes this is because of well meaning but incorrect advice. Seek assistance from a health care provider or support group such as Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) before deciding to stop breastfeeding.

How to wean

Breastmilk supply will gradually decrease as milk is removed less often.

• Ideally,  babies should be weaned slowly.
• Baby can be weaned to cup or bottle.
• Start by replacing the breastfeed the baby is usually least interested in.
• Decrease by one less breastfeed every few days.
• Depending on baby’s age, missed feeds may be replaced with formula (less than 12 months of age), with food if more than six months of age, or cow’s milk (if baby is more than 12 months of age).
• Offer your baby a dummy for extra sucking if needed. 

More information

• Common Breastfeeding Concerns – When Do I Stop Breastfeeding factsheet
• For further information ask a health professional or support group such as ABA for advice