Some babies wean themselves without the need for any intervention: They decide they’re prepared to make the break from breastfeeding and that’s all there is to it. In any case, at times the choice to put a stop to nursing is your own. Maybe you’re planning for another pregnancy or as of now, you are already pregnant. Perhaps you’re essentially willing to have your freedom back from having to nurse your child continually and would like to devote your time to some other interest. Whatever it is that is convincing you to keep your shirt on, you’ll need to adopt a loving and delicate strategy to weaning a baby.
WHAT IS WEANING OR STOPPING OF BREASTFEEDING?
Weaning is the point at which an infant moves from breast milk to other sources of sustenance. Weaning your infant is a cycle that takes patience from both you and your youngster.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO WEAN?
The decision to stop breastfeeding or weaning is an individual choice. A mother may choose to do so due to the resumption of her professional career, her well-being, or the baby’s, or just a belief that it is time for the baby to shift to traditional methods of eating.
Most specialists concur that breastfeeding should proceed however long it suits the mother and infant. Numerous ladies decide to wean after their child’s first birthday celebration. At this age, children are beginning to walk, talk, and eat more solid nourishment. So they may normally lose enthusiasm for nursing.
Different mothers breastfeed longer than a year (this is commonly referred to as extended breastfeeding). Extended breastfeeding is a solid and sensible choice for moms and kids who aren’t prepared to wean. Truth be told, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that mothers breastfeed for the initial 2 years of a kid’s life.
HOW WOULD I WEAN MY INFANT?
Your weaning experience is up to you and your infant. Attempt to follow your child’s signs at whatever point conceivable. On the off chance that you feel your infant isn’t taking enough different nourishments or fluids, see your pediatrician.
At the point when you and your child are prepared to wean, there are not many things that can assist with making the experience a more certain one for both of you:
GO SLOW AND STEADY
It’s simplest for you and your infant if weaning is slow and steady like several weeks to a few months. Unexpected, sudden weaning could make the transition to a traditional diet difficult and will ultimately affect your child’s health.
TRY AND BRING DISRUPTION WHEN YOUR CHILD IS BREASTFEEDING
If the child is getting a good supply from one breast, switch to the other breast where the supply isn’t as good. The lack of a steady supply is likely to frustrate your child due to hunger and is likely to accept other sources of food,
HOLD YOUR CHILD CLOSE TO YOUR CHEST DURING BREASTFEEDING
Children initially refuse to stop breastfeeding as being close to the mother’s breasts brings comfort and emotional support to them, in order to assure the child that the feeling of safety and assurance you must hold your child close to your chest when you are bottle feeding, this way the child would be assured that even if breastfeeding is stopped, the mother’s comfort and care is always there to stay.
DO NOT REPEAT THE CUES
It is important to not repeat the cues your child looks for which gives them an indication that it is time to breastfeed. During the daytime, if your child likes to breastfeed while you are in bed, try avoiding that practice and offer the child a traditional breakfast in a bowl. As gradually you stop giving your child cues, they are likely to understand that breastfeeding is no longer an option.