The journey of motherhood is filled with lots of emotions and excitement. Part of that journey is breastfeeding, if the mother decides that’s best for her and her baby, according to lactation specialist Kristin McCracken, BSN, RN, IBCLC, Nebraska Medicine lactation consultant.

“Mothers may have a decreased chance of being diagnosed with certain cancers, high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as receiving overall long-term health benefits,” explains McCracken. “Babies benefit more the longer they’re breastfed. They receive antibodies through their mother’s milk and are protected from certain diseases.”

Breastfeeding benefits the mother and the baby and can be a great bonding experience. But if it doesn’t work out, or the time is coming to an end, how do you know? And how do you transition away from breastfeeding?

“You should slowly stop breastfeeding if you’re no longer enjoying it. Breastfeeding should be mutually desired by the mom and baby,” says McCracken. “There are instances where the mother needs to stop breastfeeding for her health concerns or if prescribed high-risk medications aren’t compatible with breastfeeding. A lactation consultant can provide resources to guide whether or not breastfeeding remains safe for a mother and baby.”

If breastfeeding makes mothers anxious, stressed out or in pain, schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant who can provide support. Many new moms find it hard to fit breastfeeding into their schedules, especially if they return to work.

Fatigue is the number one reason mothers discontinue breastfeeding, according to the National Library of Medicine. Other reasons include returning to work or school and concerns about milk supply. Breastfeeding mothers who become pregnant may want to begin weaning, as pregnancy can lower your supply and sometimes make breastfeeding babies fussy.

“The World Health Organization says that mothers should breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, and then they can start adding complementary foods. Breast milk should be the primary source of nutrition for the first year of an infant’s life,” says McCracken. “The WHO suggests that mothers can continue to breastfeed for the first two years and beyond as long as it’s best for both mom and baby.”

McCracken says any amount of breast milk is great for the baby and emphasizes if moms aren’t enjoying breastfeeding, they shouldn’t push themselves to the two-year mark.

To start weaning a breastfed baby, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend replacing one breast milk feeding daily with a bottle of infant formula (for children under 12 months).

“There are a few options to wean a baby: Child-led weaning involves following the child’s cues. This typically happens when the baby no longer nutritionally needs breast milk, or they’re not showing an interest,” says McCracken. “Mother-led weaning involves slowly weaning the infant from breastfeeding on the mother’s terms and desires. It’s best to take it slow because the baby may not be ready, but you can reassure them with comfort and cuddles.”

When children wean themselves, it’s generally around the second and fourth years, McCracken says, which is common in other countries especially. Younger babies may not want to breastfeed as often after a while.

“Nine months is a pretty common timeframe when mothers believe their infant is no longer interested in breastfeeding. This is because distractions begin developmentally, and babies begin breastfeeding for shorter durations,” says McCracken. “This is typically a short-term problem, and most infants will continue breastfeeding into toddlerhood.”

When mothers stop breastfeeding, whether they decide to or not, they may experience headaches and mood changes due to hormone shifts. Weight changes associated with breastfeeding depend on the mother.

“Even if you want to start weaning, you can still feel overwhelmed and sad because breastfeeding is a special experience you share with your baby,” explains McCracken.

When mothers discontinue breastfeeding, the body will stop producing milk. Even when the breastfeeding journey is over, weaning provides a new experience to share with your child.

The mental and physical health of the mother is paramount in the breastfeeding journey. Nebraska Medicine lactation consultants can help with breastfeeding-related or weaning problems or questions.