Allowing your child to wean naturally, means that they will recieve breastmilk for the optimum time their body requires it.

To truly allow your child to self wean, offering constant, free, and frequent access to the breast, until they no longer demand it (which will be well after 12 months, most likely between 24-48 months) Some signs your child may be self weaning are:

• Your child is well over 12 months old.
• Their feeds are gradually decreasing in frequency and duration
• Most of their nutrition comes from solids.
• They can drink well from a cup.
• They “drop” feeds and don’t accept them when offered.
• They don’t “ask” for feeds.

The child led weaning process could take several weeks, or even months, with a gradual reduction in feeds down to a few a week.  And it may be sparmodic - with the child seemingly weaned, only to be demanding the breast again.

As your child self weans, it’s important to ensure they’re recieving optimum nutrtion from their solids diet, as well as lots of fluids.

Emotionally, especially for mum, weaning can be met with grief. It’s important to address any feeling you have towards your child weaning.