American mothers usually wean the baby from the breast between the third and ninth month. The infant can be weaned directly to formula (or whole milk if more than six months old). Weaning should be a gradual process over a week or two duration. Mothers who wean their infants early (i.e. during the first month or two of life) can do so within one or two days. Nursing time should be gradually shortened at each feeding. The amount of milk removed should be just enough to relieve discomfort.