Tips for Gradual Weaning: Be Flexible
Tips for Gradual Weaning – Tip #1:
Be Flexible
Weaning is best when done gradually. You may have heard of “child-led” weaning.
Child-led weaning is great because, obviously, you nurse until your child is developmentally and emotionally ready to stop. 
photo credit: katedubya
But child-led is not strictly initiated by the child—moms (and dads) still play a major role in guiding their child through the weaning process.
With child-led weaning, you guide your child to seek out other means of comfort and nutrition besides breastfeeding, all the while taking your child’s pace and feelings in consideration.
Drop one nursing session at a time.
One nursing every four days, or more, is ideal for your body to adjust.
If your child is overly distraught and is pleading to nurse, let her.
Look for signs that weaning is going to fast for your child.
Signs may include clinginess, increased night waking, separation anxiety, refusal to eat, newfound thumb sucking or use of a pacifier, sudden biting or withdrawal. If you notice any of these signs, slow down and offer the breast.
Babies are on their own individual schedules. Therefore, don’t set a weaning deadline. Be flexible and patient. Weaning will happen when your child—and you—are ready.
