Many mothers find it challenging to transition their babies away from breastfeeding, and I was no exception. Prior to beginning this cycle, I was very restless about how to successfully execute it. My twin children are presently 2 years and 4 months old, and I breastfed them for the full two years.

Luckily, I had some earlier information about breastfeeding and weaning, because of direction from my pediatrician. I realized when and how to present other options, and the amount of milk to give at various stages. Following this guidance and my own understanding, I planned and executed the weaning process step by step.

 Today, I’m sharing my experience and bits of knowledge, hoping they will help different guardians who are exploring this significant stage.

Balancing Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding in the Early Months

From 0-6 months, I breastfed my twins, although not exclusively, as I also had to supplement with formula milk. Since I had twins, they couldn’t always get enough breast milk, which might have been possible with just one baby. To balance this, I alternated between breastfeeding and formula feeding—one feeding session with breast milk and the next with formula. I also made sure to feed both babies simultaneously.

After 6 months, I started introducing solids while continuing breastfeeding. It’s important to note that breast milk remains the primary source of nutrition for babies up to 1 year of age, and I strictly followed this guideline. Solid foods were introduced just to familiarize them with new textures and tastes, and I limited it to two small meals a day.

(How I introduced solid foods is a topic for another article.)

Transitioning to Optional Breastfeeding After One Year

I always knew that I would stop breastfeeding entirely after two years, so I planned my approach accordingly. After my twins turned one, I began offering breast milk only optionally—whenever they wanted it, but I never initiated or offered it myself.

As per my pediatrician’s advice, after one year, the primary source of nutrition for babies should be homemade food. I made sure to prioritize proper meals and only offered breast milk if they still seemed hungry or requested it after eating.

I continued this practice until they were around 18 months old. However, one thing remained consistent—both of them would wake up several times at night for breastfeeding, and I allowed this to continue during this period.

Gradually Reducing Breastfeeding After 18 Months

After my twins turned 18 months, I almost completely stopped breastfeeding during the day. If I did feed them, it was very minimal and only occasionally—for instance, if they were particularly fussy before their afternoon nap. However, this wasn’t a daily routine; it happened sporadically.

During this time, I continued breastfeeding them only at night, as they had the habit of waking up during the night for feeding. I made an effort to keep nighttime breastfeeding as the only consistent feeding session.

It’s important to note that I gradually reduced the amount of breast milk I provided over time instead of stopping suddenly. As I mentioned earlier, I had prior knowledge about the process and followed a gradual approach, allowing the transition to be smooth. This routine continued until they were 23 months old.

Managing Nighttime Weaning After 23 Months

After my twins turned 23 months, I began trying to significantly reduce nighttime breastfeeding. When they woke up crying at night, I would mostly try to ignore it and soothe them by simply placing their head on my chest to pacify them. Over time, this method started to work, but there were instances when they wouldn’t settle without feeding.

During such moments, especially when I was extremely tired or sleepy, I would breastfeed them briefly—around two times at most—to quickly pacify them so I could get back to sleep.

One challenge I faced was that my twins rarely woke up at the same time. Often, as soon as I finished feeding one baby and settled them down, the other would wake up needing attention. On the rare occasions when they both woke up together, it became overwhelming and exhausting for me.

Completely Stopping Breastfeeding Before 24 Months

About 7 to 10 days before my twins turned 24 months, I completely stopped breastfeeding. At night, when they woke up crying and insisted on feeding, I remained firm and didn’t give in. I noticed that if I tried to comfort them by cuddling, it often made them cry even louder. So instead, I stayed quietly beside them without reacting.

After 3-5 minutes, realizing their insistence wasn’t working, they would calm down and lie on my chest for comfort. This method worked because I stayed consistent and didn’t give in to their demands.

One thing I’ve always practiced, even when they were younger, is handling their tantrums calmly without scolding or giving in. This helped them understand that not every demand or tantrum would be fulfilled. As a result, when it came to stopping nighttime breastfeeding, they had already internalized the signals I had been sending, making the transition smoother with minimal crying or fuss.

This has been my journey of transitioning my twins away from breastfeeding. I know that many mothers feel overwhelmed and frustrated when thinking about how to stop breastfeeding their babies. It’s a phase that requires patience, planning, and consistency.

There are different techniques mothers can try, depending on their situation and the child’s temperament. Some mothers use natural deterrents like applying a bitter paste (such as neem leaves or coffee) around the nipple. Others utilize viewable signals, for example, applying red nail clean and let the child know that the milk has transformed into blood and can’t be drunk.

These techniques can be powerful for some, yet it’s critical to pick a methodology that feels ideal for yourself as well as your youngster. Each child and mother is unique, so what works for one may not work for another.

Most importantly, recall that weaning is a cycle — it requires investment, love, and diligence. With the right technique and a little persistence, it turns into a reasonable achievement in your nurturing venture.

I understand that mothers often feel exhausted and unsure about the best way to handle things. It’s absolutely normal. The excursion I shared here is loaded up with endless endeavors and feelings, quite a bit of which can’t be completely communicated in words. Each step required huge persistence and smoothness, as I generally attempted to pick the best way for my children.

 I also know there are moments when things don’t go as planned, and failure feels inevitable. But each time I faced a setback, I took it as a learning opportunity—reflecting on why it happened and how I could do better. My ultimate goal was always to give my babies the very best, no matter how challenging the situation.

To all the mothers reading this: remember, your effort and love are what truly matter. Each excursion is exceptional, and each step you take counts. You’re giving your all, and that is all that could possibly be needed. 💕