Night Weaning: Gentle Strategies To Stop Breastfeeding At Night

You’re sitting in the dimly lit nursery, cradling your sweet baby in the wee hours of the morning. Exhaustion weighs heavy on your eyelids as baby quietly breastfeeds. The rest of the world slumbers around you. But, despite the tender moments, you can’t shake the weariness that accompanies those night feeds. Maybe you’re about to go back to work and feeling worried about how to manage the demands of nighttime breastfeeding while managing the responsibilities of work. It’s a scenario many of us have faced, filled with exhaustion, frustration, and uncertainty about the road ahead. But don’t worry, mumma, there’s hope on the horizon. Night weaning could be the gentle transition you’ve been looking for. Let’s step into this journey together.

In this post, I’ll cover the ins and outs of night weaning from breastfeeding, offering practical tips and emotional support for navigating this transition with love and understanding. We’ll explore whether baby is ready for night weaning, strategies for a smooth transition, the emotional side of this journey, and common questions about night weaning.

But first things first…

What’s normal for baby sleep and night feeds?

Sleep patterns vary widely from one baby to another. Here are the answers to some common questions.

At what age does night feeding stop?

While some babies naturally begin to sleep longer stretches at night around 4-6 months old, others may continue to wake for nighttime feedings well into toddlerhood. Babies stopping night feeds is not a one-size-fits-all milestone.

Do Babies Naturally Wean at Night?

Babies naturally wean themselves off nighttime feeds as they grow older and their nutritional needs change. The timing of this will differ for each baby though. Some babies will do it in their first year, and others will others may continue to seek comfort, connection, and nourishment during the night for longer. Every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns will evolve at their own pace. It’s important for you to trust your instincts and respond to baby’s cues with love and understanding, recognising that nighttime waking and feeding are a normal part of infant sleep development.

Breastfeeding your baby through the night is not a bad habit, and you are not causing any harm to your baby or their development by following their lead and breastfeeding them at night. So, if you’re feeling pressure from others to stop and you or baby are not feeling ready, feel free to ignore what others say. Go with what your heart and gut tell you is the right path.

Understanding Night Weaning

Night weaning doesn’t mean stopping breastfeeding altogether; it simply means gradually reducing or eliminating nighttime feedings.

Does Night Weaning Make Baby Sleep Better?

Night weaning can lead to longer stretches of sleep for both you and your baby, but it doesn’t guarantee that your baby will start sleeping through the night. Babies may still wake for other reasons, such as teething, growth spurts, or developmental milestones.

Signs Your Baby Might be Ready

Around 18 months old, babies can begin to understand explanations and communicate with you. This makes it an easier time to consider night weaning than in younger months. Look for longer stretches of sleep at night, decreased interest in some feeds, and the ability to self-soothe back to sleep without nursing (though it’s very normal for this to not be happening yet).

Strategies for a Smooth Transition

1. Communicate with Your Child: Talk to your little one about what’s happening. Even if they’re young, simple explanations can help them understand the changes occurring in their nighttime routine.

2. Let Your Partner (or Someone Else) Take Charge: Sometimes, having your partner or another trusted caregiver put your child to bed instead of you can help break the association between breastfeeding and sleep time. This change in routine can signal to your child that nighttime is for sleeping, not feeding.

3. Engage Your Partner in Nighttime Comfort: Consider having your partner take a more active role in comforting and resettling your baby during the night. Whether it’s offering a cuddle, a soothing song, or gentle reassurance, having someone else respond to your baby’s nighttime needs can help them get the comfort and connection they need without breastfeeding.

Remember, every family is different, so don’t be afraid to adjust these strategies to fit your unique circumstances and your child’s individual needs.

Navigating the Emotional Side

Night weaning can stir up a mix of emotions for both you and your baby. It’s normal to feel a sense of loss or sadness as you transition away from nighttime feedings. Be gentle with yourself and your little one during this process, offering extra cuddles and reassurance along the way. And remember, night weaning (or any weaning, for that matter) can be a one-step-forward-two-steps-back kind of process. Things might not be perfect straight away, but with time, things will get easier.

If you feel bub isn’t responding well or is getting really distressed, maybe this isn’t the right time for night weaning. You can always leave it for a month or two and try again later. Finding some other strategies for coping with broken sleep can help if you find yourself in this situation. Check out my Breastfeeding Through The Night Survival Guide for some tips.

Night Weaning: Embracing Your Journey with Trust and Connection

In wrapping up, night weaning can be a significant milestone in your breastfeeding journey. While it’s a decision filled with emotions and uncertainties, trust in your instincts and your bond with your little one. Remember, breastfeeding through the night isn’t a bad habit; it’s a beautiful way to nourish and connect with your baby. If you’re feeling pressure to stop night feeds but aren’t ready, it’s okay to ignore outside opinions and follow your heart. Night weaning, when done gently and with understanding and when you and bub are ready, can help protect you and your little one’s special bond while also looking after yourself. So, take it one step at a time, embrace the journey, and know that you’re not alone. Whether it’s a smooth transition or a few bumps along the road, you and your baby are navigating this together, with love and patience guiding the way.

If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, feel free to DM me on Instagram. Together, we can support each other through this beautiful journey of motherhood.