The Follow-Up: How to Wean

Dr. Mona sits down with IBCLC Melissa Mancini (known as @more_then_milk on Instagram) to explore the physical and emotional aspects of weaning, emphasizing that weaning is a deeply personal choice rather than a strict timeline or milestone. Key Takeaways A Personal Decision: Weaning is based on when you and your child are ready—not on societal pressure or arbitrary age milestones. Gradual Reduction is Key: Dropping 1 to 2 nursing or pumping sessions every 3 to 5 days helps prevent physical complications like engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis. Toddler-Specific Strategies: Weaning toddlers requires clear communication, holding firm boundaries, shifting routines, and using distraction to change emotional associations with nursing. Pumping Adaptations: Pumping parents can follow the same gradual reduction process, prioritizing dropping night sessions first to improve sleep and allowing time for body supply to adjust. Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! Shop Dr. Mona’s favorite products: https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk (paid link) And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices