Breastfeeding as a journey is one of the most helpful ways I’ve found to think about it. I felt the full range of emotions while nursing both of my boys—moments of joy, exhaustion, pride, overwhelm—and I’m so grateful for everything we gained along the way.
In this final installment of our breastfeeding series with Breastfeeding Hawai‘i, we’re looking at what comes next: nursing beyond the first year, weaning (whenever that happens), and all the big feelings that can come with closing this chapter.
Whether you're still nursing around the clock or just a couple times a day, this stage is still breastfeeding—and it counts. You’re continuing to nourish, comfort, and connect with your child in a way that evolves with them. And that matters.
How long should I keep breastfeeding?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:
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Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
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Continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for at least 12 months—and longer if it works for your family
The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond.
Every journey is different. Whether you breastfeed for three months or three years, you’ve given your child something powerful.
Is breast milk still beneficial after 12 months?
Yes—absolutely. Toddlers who continue to breastfeed benefit from:
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Ongoing immune protection
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Nutritional support with calories, protein, calcium, and vitamins A, C, B12, and folate
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DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain development
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Emotional comfort and closeness during a stage of big developmental leaps
As your child grows, breast milk continues to adapt to their needs. On average:
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At 12 months: Breastmilk may make up 75% of their diet
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At 18 months: Around 50%
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At 24 months: About 20%
How often do toddlers breastfeed?
There’s no “normal” for breastfeeding frequency after 1 year. Some toddlers nurse:
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Just at wakeup and bedtime
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On and off like a newborn again during growth spurts
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Infrequently, but consistently for comfort
A quote from KellyMom sums it up well:
“Some children breastfeed often (‘like a newborn’ is a frequent comment from moms of 12–15 month olds), some breastfeed only once or twice a day, and some breastfeed a few times a day on some days and frequently on others.”
Follow your child’s cues—and your own comfort level. There’s no one-size-fits-all here.
Thinking about weaning? Here’s what helps.
Weaning is a personal process, and ideally it happens when both you and your child are ready. Whether it’s gradual or quick, here are some gentle ways to navigate the transition:
Tips for gradual weaning:
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Drop one feeding every few days or weeks, depending on your pace
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Start with the session your child seems least attached to
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Distract with a toy, activity, or snack at usual feeding times
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Offer extra cuddles and quality time to stay emotionally connected
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Try the “don’t offer, don’t refuse” approach if that feels natural
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Involve your partner or other caregivers in nap/bedtime routines
✨ Pro tip: Avoid weaning when your child is sick or going through a big transition (teething, travel, etc.). That’s when they need comfort and hydration most.
Is it normal to feel sad or emotional after weaning?
Yes, very. Even if you’re ready, weaning can bring on unexpected sadness or mood swings. That’s partly due to the shift in hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, but it’s also about saying goodbye to a deeply connected season of parenthood.
What helps:
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Give yourself time and space to feel all the emotions
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Stay physically close to your child with cuddles, reading, or play
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Talk to trusted friends, or reach out to a support group
This is not the same as Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER), which is a physiological response during nursing that causes sudden negative emotions at letdown. D-MER typically fades within 1–3 months but may benefit from support from a lactation consultant or provider.
If you’re experiencing deeper sadness, anxiety, or symptoms of depression after weaning, know that you’re not alone. Please reach out to:
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Your OB-GYN, midwife, or primary care provider
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Local mental health professionals who specialize in postpartum transitions
Final thoughts
However long your journey has been, it matters.
Whether you weaned after a few months or are nursing a toddler once a day, you’ve shown up for your child with love, effort, and care. That’s something to be proud of.
We hope this series has offered some reassurance, encouragement, and clarity during each stage. If you have questions, want to share your story, or need a little extra support—we’re always here.
Check out the Breastfeeding Hawai‘i lactation support directory for help by island.
