To stop breastfeeding?

[Lovebythesea]

Hi all,
I am looking to stop breastfeeding and to start onto formula.
I understand that it is best to do it gradually, below is what chat gpt suggests so please let me know if you would recommend the same or if you have any other tips to ensure a smooth transition for baby & I.
Here is a gentle, practical weaning plan for your 1 month old baby, allowing your body to adjust while transitioning fully to formula without causing engorgement or mastitis:
🗓️ 2-Week Weaning Plan (Stopping Breastfeeding & Starting Formula)
Overview:
✅ Gradually replace one feed every 2–3 days with formula.
✅ Express just enough for comfort if engorged, avoid fully emptying breasts.
✅ Continue replacing feeds until fully weaned, typically taking 1–2 weeks.
Day 1–2: Replace 1 Feed
Choose a midday feed (baby usually calm).
Offer formula (2–3 oz) in a bottle at this time.
Continue breastfeeding for all other feeds.
If breasts feel full: Hand express/pump just enough for relief.
Day 3–4: Replace 2 Feeds
Replace a second feed (late morning or early evening) with formula.
Continue breastfeeding at other times.
Day 5–6: Replace 3 Feeds
Replace a third feed (afternoon or night feed) with formula.
Continue breastfeeding the remaining feeds.
Day 7–8: Replace 4 Feeds
Replace another feed, leaving just morning and bedtime feeds for breastfeeding if comfortable.
Day 9–12: Fully Transition
Replace remaining feeds with formula when your breasts are softening, and your baby is taking bottles well.
If you feel discomfort, hand express small amounts until relief, using cold compresses to reduce swelling.

Thats fairly quick. Baby needs time to adjust to the quantity of formula and you’ll need time to adjust so that your risk of mastitis is reduced. However it is possible to do it that quickly and some Mums do just go cold turkey.

I would though give one of the BFing Support Lines a call. A BFC will be able to help you come up with a plan that uses the latest information and they’ll also be able to support you through the transition

I would say that's too quick. I'm winding down already with mine naturally as he's 10 months and he's eating more food, and I would not be able to drop all feeds in 9 days.

1 month is very early to stop if you're exclusively breastfeeding, especially as you've done the really hard work already. Would some support help instead? Any particular issues?

Your health visitor may be able to refer you to a lactation consultant. I had one to continue breastfeeding and they were amazing but another woman from the group spoke to them about safely winding down and they weren't judgemental and were able to suggest something that met individual needs.

That’sa great plan! But my son won’t take the bottle, just laughs at me

OP - I do paced bottle feeding (Google it) and combi-feed. Basically I give bottles throughout the day, but keep a handful of short breastfeeds to give her antibodies etc.

I just thought I'd mention it as if say, midway through weaning, eg you realise you want to keep a daily feed in the morning - that's also a possibility. It doesn't have to be either or :)