When is the right time to stop breastfeeding a child?

When making the decision to stop breastfeeding a child, there is no universal rule that determines when this process should stop, but experts agree that the child's physical and emotional state and the mother's wishes are key factors.

According to the World Health Organization, it is recommended to breastfeed an infant for up to six months, and then continue breastfeeding with additional meals for up to two years and beyond, depending on the wishes of the mother and child.

In some cases, mothers decide to stop breastfeeding before this period, while others continue longer for various reasons, depending on the timing of returning to work, health problems, or the desire for a change.

A child from one to two years old already eats a variety of foods, and breastfeeding during this period is more of an emotional connection than a nutritional need. For many mothers, the most difficult moment is the transition to the stage when the child is no longer dependent on her milk. In this process, it is important to take into account the child's desires and needs, as well as his personal emotional experience.

If a mother feels emotionally attached to breastfeeding moments, the weaning process can be challenging, but it is important to make a gradual transition so that the baby can develop independence and build a new routine.

For some children, the adjustment is an easy process, while others will take more time. In all of this, it is important not to feel pressured, because the cessation of breastfeeding should be based on what is best for the mother and child.

Adapting to breastfeeding is an intimate experience for which it is most important to listen to your instincts, consult your doctor, and pay attention to the signs your baby gives, to make this process as comfortable as possible for mother and baby.