Weaning is one of those milestones that can feel both monumental and… oddly invisible. You’ve spent weeks, months, or even years nursing or pumping, and now it’s time to change the rhythm you and your baby have been moving to. Sometimes it’s your choice. Sometimes it’s your baby’s. And sometimes it’s a mix of both. Either way, know this transition can be messy, emotional, liberating, bittersweet—sometimes all of those in the span of an afternoon! At Brood, we believe in parent-friendly feeding and weaning. That means there’s no one “right” way to do it. Your feeding journey is your own, and so is your weaning story.
Why people choose to wean
Weaning is deeply personal. You might be feeling “touched out” and ready for more physical autonomy. Maybe you’ve returned to work, your baby’s appetite for solids has taken off, or your mental health needs have shifted. Sometimes babies decide for us, losing interest or preferring other feeding methods. Every reason is valid. If you need to hear it today: you are still an incredible parent no matter what feeding looks like in your home.
The emotional waves of weaning
Yes, there are logistics like reducing feeds or managing engorgement, but weaning is also about the heart. Many parents feel a complex mix of relief, sadness, pride, and anticipation. It’s normal to grieve a chapter while celebrating the new season ahead. One of our favourite prompts from our Weaning Guide is: When you decide how you want your body interacted with, you model boundaries to your baby. Think about the boundaries you want to model now. This might mean shifting routines, finding new ways to connect, or simply allowing yourself to rest without guilt.
What happens to your hormones when you wean
While weaning changes your daily routine, it also changes your internal chemistry. During lactation, your body produces prolactin (which stimulates milk production) and oxytocin (which helps with milk let-down and also promotes feelings of calm and connection). When feeds or pumping sessions reduce, those hormone levels drop. This shift can lead to what many parents describe as a “hormonal crash”, sometimes bringing mood swings, fatigue, or heightened feelings of sadness or anxiety. For others, it might feel like emotional fog or irritability. These changes are temporary, but they can be intense. It can help to remind yourself this is a physiological process, not a personal failing; build in extra rest and nourishment where possible; and lean on your support system or connect with a mental health provider who understands postpartum transitions. Knowing that your body is adjusting on a chemical level can make the emotional experience feel less mysterious and more manageable.
How to prepare for the transition
While every weaning journey looks different, planning can help make the process more comfortable for both you and your baby. Some parents choose to drop one feed at a time. Others make changes more gradually, pairing each reduction with a new bonding activity like storytime, singing, or cuddle sessions. Your body will also be adjusting, so staying mindful of physical comfort matters. Many parents find that warm compresses before a feed and cool compresses after can ease discomfort during supply changes. (There’s much more about this in our FREE Weaning Guide.)
Building your weaning support team
You don’t have to do this alone. Your support team can include lactation consultants, doulas, midwives, healthcare providers, friends, and family. Even someone dropping off dinner or taking over bedtime for a night can be part of your circle of care. We’ve seen time and again that parents feel more grounded when they have a mix of emotional and practical support. It’s not indulgent — it’s essential.
Rituals, closure, and moving forward
Weaning isn’t just about stopping feeds; it’s about marking a change in your parenting journey. Some parents choose to create a small ritual, like a “milk bath” with their last expressed milk, a photo session, or a special day trip with their child. Others keep it simple, focusing on the new routines ahead. Whatever you choose, honouring the moment in a way that feels authentic to you can help create a sense of closure.
Want more guidance?
Our Weaning Guide is packed with strategies, emotional support tools, and practical tips for every stage — from weaning in the newborn months to navigating it after loss. It’s rooted in lived experience, evidence-based care, and the wisdom of our Clinical Advisory Board. If you’re ready for a more supported, more informed weaning journey, download the guide here. And if you’d like to read a personal perspective on the topic, you might enjoy this post written by our cofounder Gill about her experience: Surprise! I’m Weaning.
