Feeling emotional now that your baby or toddler is dropping feeds and getting closer to stopping breastfeeding? Lots of mums experience mixed emotions when their little one starts to wean themselves. When your baby starts to drop feeds on their own, it can stir up a range of emotions—pride in their growing independence (and maybe a well-deserved sense of achievement!), but also feelings of loss as you realise this special chapter is coming to an end. In this post, we’ll talk about why you’re feeling this way and some tips on how to navigate these emotions.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Stopping Breastfeeding

Stopping breastfeeding isn’t just a physical change for you and bub; it’s an emotional journey too. You might feel a mix of relief, sadness, and even guilt, depression and grief. These feelings are completely normal, and the first step to dealing with them is to recognise and accept them.

Breastfeeding isn’t only a form of food, it’s a way of parenting and a relationship. There is so much emotion tied into your breastfeeding journey with your baby. When we think of breastfeeding this way it makes more sense that we feel a bit lost and maybe even a bit disconnected from bub as breastfeeding comes to an end. On top of that, your body is going through some hormonal changes when you stop breastfeeding that can affect your emotions too.

Understanding and dealing with your feelings during this time is important because it helps make the change easier and less traumatic for you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you’re not alone. Lots of mums go through the same thing, and talking about it and finding support can really help, especially if you’re feeling the extremes of these emotions.

How to Cope with Stopping Breastfeeding

Here are a few tips to help you manage your emotions as you approach the end of your breastfeeding journey:

1. Accept Your Feelings

It’s okay to feel sad or worried about stopping breastfeeding and how you’ll parent afterwards. These feelings are a valid and a normal part of the process. When you understanding and accept your emotions you give yourself permission to experience them and work through them. This is the first step towards feeling more at peace with the transition. 

2. Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself is really important right now. Make sure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and doing things you enjoy. Looking after your body and feelings can make a big difference. 

It can be a tough time, so it’s good to find ways to handle your feelings. One helpful way is through mindfulness.

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment and being aware of your feelings without judging them. It can help you regulate your emotions, like sadness or stress. 

Mindfulness can also help you with your baby. Since you won’t be breastfeeding to calm them, you might need new ways to soothe them. When you can regulate your own emotions more easily, you help your baby regulate their emotions and help them feel calm too. This can make it easier for both of you to adjust to the change.

3. Get Support

Talk to other mums who have gone through the same thing. Sharing your feelings and hearing their stories can make you feel better. If you’re finding it harder than you thought, it can be really helpful to talk through your experience and feelings with a lactation consultant, counsellor or psychologist for extra help.

4. Keep Your Special Bond

Even though you’re stopping breastfeeding, you can still keep a strong and loving connection with your little one. Here are some ways to maintain that special bond:

Spend Quality Time Together: Make time each day to be with your baby. You can play, read books, or simply sit and talk. Doing activities that you both enjoy helps you stay close and strengthens your relationship.

Make New Routines: Since breastfeeding is ending, you might need new ways to connect. Create new routines that are just for you and your baby. This could be a special bedtime story, a daily walk together, or having a little chat during meal times. New routines can help you both adjust to the change and stay connected.

Show Lots of Love and Cuddles: Keep giving your baby lots of cuddles and kisses. Physical affection helps your baby feel loved and safe. It’s important for both of you to keep showing that love even though breastfeeding is ending.

Have Fun Together: Find fun activities to do with your baby. Play with toys, sing songs, or explore new places. Doing fun things together helps you both feel happy and connected. 

Embracing the Change

Stopping breastfeeding is a big change and brings up many feelings. Understanding these feelings and taking care of yourself can help make this change easier. Remember, you’re not alone in this. If you want to talk or share your experiences, DM me on Instagram—I’d love to hear from you ❤️