Sometimes, mothers mistakenly believe that their baby’s lack of interest in breastfeeding is due to self-weaning. This lack of interest can be as a result of a lack of milk being produced. If a mum’s milk supply is depleted then baby may grow to prefer cup or bottle feeding as they grow to realise that they can get more milk this way.

A vicious cycle really, as your baby starts to prefer the bottle or cup and looks less for your breast, your body will produce less milk. Causing your child to become frustrated and stop breastfeeding if there is a drop in the amount milk that you're making.

There are a lot of things that can cause a reduced milk supply including reduced feeds, rapid weight loss in the mother, and use of medications (such as contraceptives). Your period returning or a new pregnancy are also other factors that can cause a decrease in your supply.

But know that there are an abundance of things, you as a mother can do to increase your breastmilk supply. Talk to your doctor, a local breastfeeding group, or a lactation consultant for help.

Another possible reason for a lack of interest in breastfeeding can be a developmental phase. It is quite common for an infant between 6 and 12 months to show less interest in breastfeeding. This is not caused by the infant’s desire to self-wean.

Older babies tend to be easily distracted and many mothers mistakenly believe this to be their baby’s desire to self-wean. If you are feeding your baby from a cup or a bottle than they will discover that they can feed and explore at the same time while breastfeeding requires them to sit still. Again, mums may take this as a cue that their little one is ready to self-wean.

Teething pain can make a child uncomfortable and not want to breastfeed. You can try to relieve teething pain by giving your little one something to chew on or massaging her gums before you begin to breastfeed.

Many mums don’t consider this lack of interest in breastfeeding to be temporary and go ahead and self-wean. This is not necessarily a bad thing but mums should know that weaning their babies during this stage may not be self-weaning and is, in fact, their own decision.

Mothers need to be aware of the reasons an older baby might show a sudden lack of interest in breastfeeding so they can make a more informed decision about weaning.

There are things you can do to avoid premature weaning such as:

If your baby is refusing to breastfeed, pump. Pumping can help to increase and maintain your supply.

Try to be patient and remember that this is just a normal developmental stage that some children go through.

If this is the end of your breastfeeding journey, go easy on yourself, both mentally and physically. If your baby has self-weaned gradually you’re halfway there. If not, try and breastfeed or pump and gradually cut out a feed one by one to prevent sore breasts and the possibility of mastitis.

Emotionally - the chemical “come down” when you stop breastfeeding is no joke. It is a real drop in oxytocin, which will leave you feeling vulnerable, down and even upset. Go easy on yourself mama and take it one day at a time.