When a baby begins to lose interest in the breast, it may be a signal that she's moving into another developmental stage - that she might be ready for a bottle or cup and solid foods. When a baby initiates weaning, her loss of interest in the breast is gradual. Instead, it is often a reaction to an outside factor, such as a cold or a change in the taste of the mother's milk. If you're not ready to wean when your baby strikes, then nurse frequently, try different feeding positions and examine any recent dietary changes. Do not give cow's milk to babies less than 1 year old.
Breast milk is best.
Often, the mother initiates weaning when she needs to return to work or school, is pregnant again or simply feels that the time is right. Start gradually by eliminating one feeding at a time. Stop the nursing that your baby seems least interested in, the one at which you seem to have less milk or the one during the time you will be away. Wait a few days before eliminating the next feeding to give you and your child time to adjust. Allow three to four weeks to fully wean, as this is a big physical and emotional change for both of you.