Most babies wake up several times a night to feed. Some babies continue to breastfeed at night for the entire duration of the breastfeeding period, while others breastfeed at night occasionally. But what if you want to stop breastfeeding at night? 

There are no secret tricks to successfully stop breastfeeding at night. As with many other transitions for both baby and parent, it is simply a matter of being consistently and decide that it is time to stop. As it is a transition to stop night-time breastfeeding, it is good for you as a parent to remind yourself why you made this decision, especially when fatigue and emotions take over. However, with the right attitude and drive, you will make the transition, which usually only takes a few days to establish.

When can you stop night nursing?

Young children do not only breastfeed because of hunger, it is also a way for them to receive love, affection and warmth. Therefore, there is no specific time to stop night-time breastfeeding, as long as you as a parent can separate hunger from the need for affection. So when your baby wakes up at night, instead of offering breastfeeding, find another way to make your baby feel safe.

How to stop breastfeeding at night?

Consistency is key when you decide to stop breastfeeding at night. Decide that it is time and stick to that decision. Giving up once and then choosing to start again can be confusing for your baby. Usually the transition only takes a few days.

To make the process easier when you decide to stop night-time breastfeeding, it is good to choose a quiet period. Too much new information at once can make it harder for your child to accept your new routines. It can also be helpful to make changes at the weekend or on days when you may be two adults at home and can relieve each other. If your baby wakes up in the night, let your partner comfort him or her, while you, who previously breastfed, sleep in another room if possible. This way, your baby will know that breastfeeding is not an option, will not smell breastmilk and may find the transition easier to accept. You can also choose to keep the baby with you and try to comfort in ways other than offering breastfeeding.

Try to find motivation in making this decision in the belief that it is the right decision for the family in the long run. Don't forget that there is no negative value in backing out if you change your mind, it is perfectly fine to breastfeed at night for a while longer and try again in the future. Stopping breastfeeding is a big change for your baby, so find the pace that suits you.

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