Hopefully, your baby will wean herself, gradually showing less interest in nursing as you begin to introduce solids. Take your cue from your baby. When she refuses the breast or nurses less frequently and for shorter intervals, it may be a sign that she's ready to wean.

If at all possible, you want to avoid an abrupt end to nursing. Going cold turkey can be hard on both your child, who can't understand why she's no longer nursing, and on you. Your breasts will become engorged, and you risk clogged ducts or even mastitis. In addition, your hormones will plummet and you increase your risk of depression.

When it's time to wean your baby, taper off gradually. Eliminate one feeding per day, stretching out the process over several days so that your milk supply diminishes slowly. Usually the first feeding in the morning and the last one at night are the hardest to remove. You may decide to leave it at that level for a time.

Continue to cuddle your baby, even if you avoid the cradle hold. You want to maintain the wonderful physical closeness, even when you are no longer nursing.