Baby does not want to stop breast-feeding
Sometimes a mother wants to stop breast-feeding, but her baby shows signs of wanting to continue. If possible, continue breast-feeding a while longer. If this is not possible, the following suggestions may help you:
- Offer breast milk pumped from your breast, formula, or cow's milk (if your baby is more than 12 months old) in a cup before you breast-feed or between breast-feedings. Slowly increase the amount in the cup. 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 breast-fed baby to get used to an artificial nipple, or it may be time to use a cup.
- If your baby suddenly refuses to nurse when you are trying to wean gradually, pump your breasts for comfort. Pump less milk from your breasts each day. Make sure that your baby drinks at least 16 fl oz (473.2 mL) of formula or milk (if older than 12 months of age) each day by bottle or cup. Let your health professional know if you do not think that your baby is drinking enough.
- 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.
| Author: | Amy Fackler, MA Cynthia Tank | Last Updated: June 26, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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