A member asked:
Should i stop breastfeeding?
8 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in
Dr. Scott J. Wolfsonanswered
Pediatrics 23 years experience
No: If you want to breastfeed, don't stop breastfeeding. It is the best nourishment for a baby and also the cheapest! pick an age when you would like to stop and then make a plan.
6.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Lisa Robertsanswered
Pediatrics 24 years experience
No: Only if there are medical reasons to. If you discover you have an underlying medical problem (such as hiv) that can be transferred to your baby through breastmilk, it is wise to discontinue nursing. Certain medications may also enter the breastmilk and pose a health risk to your baby. Otherwise, unless physically or emotionally unable to, breastfeeding should be continued despite minor illness.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Charles Gordonanswered
Specializes in Adolescent Medicine
When to stop: It is pretty much agreed that the best food for your newborn is your breast milk. But there are considerations involving your health too. While about 95% of women can successfully breastfeed, 5% cannot. The point is to have a healthy growing child, not to wear a badge saying "I breastfed my baby." If your child is growing well, then fine, if not there are plenty of good substitutes. Don't feel gui
858 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Melissa Arcaanswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
No "deadline": There is no "deadline" for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding and breastmilk have numerous benefits for you and your child. At least 6 months is desirable and if you can make it to one year, that is even better. That being said, many women may only be able to breastfeed for a few months while some will continue to breastfeed into toddlerhood. The choice is up to you and your baby. Wean on your timeline.
6.7k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Dr. Russell Faustanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 30 years experience
Longer than you thin: The World Health Organization says to nurse for two years. That is generally not a popular answer here in the US, but the best answer is that longer is better for your baby for several reasons. The prime benefit is enhanced immunity.
6.6k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 47 years experience
You pick: You can drop one feeding every couple days (formula instead) until off. You can allow 2-3 min/side each feed (follow with formula).This signals your body to slow production.You can cold turkey= bind your chest with ace wrap/pre-pregnancy bra and tough it out for a few days. Each of these 3 ways has pro's/cons, in the end only youcan decide what would work for you.
867 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
Dr. Charles Gordonanswered
Specializes in Adolescent Medicine
Just stop it: There is a medicine used for patients who have Parkinson's Disease called bromocriptine which blocks the hormonal signals to your breasts and so "drys them up". Speak to your doc about it.
867 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 47 years experience
No meds required: You can drop one feeding every couple days (formula instead) until off. You can allow 2-3 min/side each feed (follow with formula).This signals your body to slow production.You can cold turkey= bind your chest with ace wrap/pre-pregnancy bra and tough it out for a few days. Each of these 3 ways has pro's/cons, in the end only youcan decide what would work for you.
60 viewsReviewed Jul 18, 2020Merged
Similar questions
A member asked:
How do I know when to stop breastfeeding?
5 doctor answers • 52 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anatoly Belilovskyanswered
Pediatrics 36 years experience
Up to you.: There is no medical reason to stop breastfeeding at any age; i've been asked if there is a reason to wean a school age child, and the only one i could think of was that other children would laugh at him. Your own considerations -- job, lifestyle, other children -- usually dictate this decision. Having said that, benefits of nursing become rather small after the age of 12 months.
6.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Leonard Ferreira commented
Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology
I feel that if you become pregnant again, you should stop.
Aug 12, 2013
Dr. Sathish Adigopula commented
Pediatrics 21 years experience
The most common norm is - exclusive breast feeding until 6 month of age. The breast milk with other weaning food too. You can start potentially weaning him off breast milk by about 1 year of age as his caloric intake will be met by regular food then.
Sep 6, 2013
Dr. Charlene Sojico commented
Pediatrics 42 years experience
Personal choice- some would nurse only up to 6 months,some a year even up to 3 years or longer !
Sep 15, 2013
Last updated Jul 18, 2020
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