Weaning Practices among Breastfeeding Women who Weaned Prior to Six Months Postpartum

Abstract

We describe weaning practices among 222 breastfeeding mothers who weaned their babies ≤6 months postpartum. After initiating weaning, one fourth of participants weaned within 2 days and three fourths by 14 days (range, 0-90 days). Shorter weaning duration was associated with earlier ages at weaning. After adjustment for time of weaning, women who returned to work were more likely to take >3 days to wean (odds ratio = 2.98; 95% confidence interval = 1.53, 5.79). Women weaning in ≤3 days versus 4 or more days were more likely to report binding their breasts (31% or 15%, P = .007)or using ice packs (9% vs 1%, P = .0006)and were more likely to report feeling happier since weaning (23% vs 9%, P = .005). Most women weaning ≤6 months postpartum took 4 or more days to wean their baby. Experience and anecdote have been the norm in informing weaning practices. This study is a first step toward more rigorous evaluation. J Hum Lact. 19(4):374-380.