A Natural Minded Mama - Holistic Doula

What's the tea on self weaning?☕👀 Children who are allowed to self wean typically do so between the ages of 2 and 7 years old. Nursing to natural term is NORMAL and BENEFICIAL! There is no age at which your milk magically loses its benefits! In addition to being chock full of antibodies and other specialized components that help protect your child against illness and disease your milk may also provide as much as:

29% of energy requirements
43% of protein requirements
36% of calcium requirements
75% of vitamin A requirements
76% of folate requirements
94% of vitamin B12 requirements
60% of vitamin C requirements

after the first year. Plus there are benefits for you as well! Reducing YOUR risk of certain types of cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

There is no harm in continuing to nurse until you or your child are ready to wean - so long as it continues to work for BOTH of you.💖

So why don't we see more people nursing older children?🤔 Usually it's because they tend to nurse less often than younger children - sometimes as little as once or twice a day - and typically (though not always) during times when families are usually at home - such as before bed or after they wake up.😊

Wish you had a little more support in your corner? Visit the link in our bio to learn more about our free in-person and virtual support options, or to connect.

📌Please note: It's extremely uncommon for children to self wean before the age of one. If your baby is under 12 months and refusing to nurse you're likely dealing with a nursing strike rather than a baby who’s ready to wean. Hand express or pump to keep your baby fed and your milk flowing, then connect with your healthcare provider or skilled lactation professional to rule out illness, determine the cause of the nursing strike and make a plan to help you and your baby reach your breastfeeding or chestfeeding goals.

This year’s theme is We All We Got—and if you’re an aspiring lactation professional, we’ve got you, too. 🖤

Black Breastfeeding Week is offering $500 and $1,000 scholarships to help the next generation of lactation professionals pursue the training, certification and education needed to support Black families. Let’s gooo!

Ready to take the next step in your lactation journey? Apply through the link in our bio by midnight Sunday, August 16th.

Scholarship recipients will be announced live on August 31, 2026.

Tag an aspiring lactation professional who should apply!