Weaning from nursing occurs when a baby stops breastfeeding and he gets all of his nourishment from other sources, according to KidsHealth, a part of the Nemours Foundation. Whether you're deciding to wean due to work demands, health problems, a desire for independence or a sense that the time is just right, the process can be emotionally draining for you and your child. Some basic tips will help you cope in the meantime.
When to Wean
Breastfeed your child exclusively for about the first 6 months of her life, then supplement her solid food intake by breastfeeding from that point until she is at least 1 year old, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics. After her first year, continue as long as you and your child both want to continue. You might wean soon after her first birthday because she is more adaptable than she will be at age 2 and your breasts are less likely to become engorged with milk due to lower demand, says KidsHealth.
Mom-Initiated Weaning
One way to initiate weaning is to drop a feeding session each week, says KidsHealth. By gradually dropping breastmilk feedings, you will be less likely to become engorged and your child won't have the shock of going cold turkey. If you are doing the gradual dropping method, start by dropping the feeding that is the smallest and least convenient---typically the mid-day feeding---and end with the most important---typically the nighttime feeding---says KidsHealth. Alternately, initiate weaning by cutting your baby's time on your breast. If he generally breastfeeds for five minutes, drop it down to three minutes and follow it with a snack such as applesauce or a serving of cow's milk, suggests BabyCenter.com
Child-Initiated Weaning
Babies usually breastfeed less as they start to snack and eat three solid food meals every day, so your baby might make the decision to stop on her own, KidsHealth. The less your child breastfeeds, the less milk you will produce. If you want to continue to feed her, you might need to use a pump to keep up the supply.
Causes of Struggles
If your child struggles through the weaning process, he might be going through too much at once. If he's recently entered daycare, if he's sick, if he's in the middle of a new developmental stage or if the family has recently moved, he will have more trouble adapting to an extra life-changing event, says BabyCenter.com. Wait another month before you initiate weaning again and he may be more adaptable.
Weaning Tips
The best way to start weaning is to keep your baby's mind off the idea of breastfeeding. Play with her or take her on an outing at a former nursing time, stay away from your former nursing spots, don't put on your former nursing clothes and offer a favorite healthy snack in lieu of breast milk, suggests KidsHealth. Don't discourage your baby from engaging in other soothing habits such as sucking her thumb as this is likely her way of coping with change, says KidsHealth.
