If you're still breastfeeding, the end date is up to you and your baby. It's a personal decision that depends on your specific situation. Your baby may be showing signs that he or she is ready to wean now, including seeming uninterested or distracted during feedings.

You may feel ambivalent about whether to quit: Some days weaning sounds like a relief, and yet you hate to bring this special tie to a close. Many moms who have continued breastfeeding this far continue into toddlerhood, but it's also common to use the 1-year mark as an end goal.

How should I wean my baby?

Gradually reduce the number of daily breastfeeding sessions one at a time, offering formula – or cow's milk once your baby reaches 12 months or your doctor gives the okay – in their place. If your child hasn't been drinking from a bottle, you can wean to a sippy cup and save yourself the trouble of weaning your child off a bottle later.

Many babies will drop a feeding every few days (usually starting with the midday feeding and ending with the bedtime one) until they're finished nursing. You can also shorten the duration of each breastfeeding session.

What are some ways to make weaning go smoothly?

Weaning should be a fairly easy process, not a traumatic one. Give the following suggestions a try, and if your baby seems to resist, consider waiting a bit before trying again.

• Look for signs that your baby is ready for weaning, such as those described above.

• Give your baby plenty of one-on-one attention to replace the intimacy of nursing.

• Try distracting your baby. If he or she wants to breastfeed, offer a toy or game, a walk outside, or a sippy cup instead.

• If nursing is part of your bedtime routine, that may be the hardest session to drop. Try introducing another bedtime ritual – like snuggling close – to replace nursing.

• If your breasts become engorged, use cool compresses and express milk manually or with a pump for the first few days. Ibuprofen can also help.

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