How to Wean Your Child
When weaning your child, no matter what age you choose to wean them, it is always best to start slow. Slow weaning is the easiest way to transition your child, and it’s likely to be the least traumatic. Some toddlers who make the decision to stop breastfeeding may wean abruptly. This is fine, as long as it is their decision, and you help them through it.
Abrupt weaning can also occur if you need to undergo medical treatment that can affect the breast milk, and in turn affect the baby. If you need to stop breastfeeding abruptly, express breast milk every time you feel engorgement. Express just enough till you feel comfortable and never empty your breast. This will signal your body to stop the production of breast milk, and you will be able to stop lactation soon enough.
If there are no complications that will force you to discontinue breastfeeding abruptly, though, the best way to wean your child is to replace a breastfeeding session with a different kind of feeding. Removing one breastfeeding session at a time will help your child transition away from breastfeeding, and it’s also a natural method for your breasts to stop lactating.
For example, if you are feeding your child four times a day, begin breastfeeding them three times a day, and replace the fourth feeding session with formula milk or solid foods (depending on their age.) Choose one of the middle feeding sessions first, as these will make the easiest transition, and your baby is less likely to be fussy at this time. Your morning and evening feeding sessions should be the last to be replaced, as these are usually the most comforting feeding sessions, and your baby will have a difficult time transitioning from these particular sessions.
Sometimes even midday feedings that transition into formula milk or solids can be difficult to accept for the child. They may reject the formula or food. In order to make it easier, mix a little breast milk with the formula or food so the taste isn’t a complete change from what they’re used to. You can also feed them in another part of your home, away from where you usually breastfeed. This new environment can be a signal to your child that it is not breastfeeding time, and it will also distract them and make them forget that you should be having a breastfeeding session.
If your child refuses to drink the formula or eat the food, one reason can be because you are around, and they know that they can breastfeed. The best way to deal with this case is to have someone feed your child, and again in a new environment from where they are usually breastfed. The change in person and environment can again distract your child, and they will be more likely to drink the formula or eat the solids. Just make sure that the person is someone your child is comfortable and familiar with so as not to scare them or make them feel abandoned.
Help this out by giving your child to the person while your baby is awake and alert, and show up after they are finished eating. Your child will know that being with this person is temporary and safe because you will always come back. In the end they may really enjoy their feeding sessions with the other person, and begin creating a bond with them. This is good for your child because interacting with more people will stimulate brain development.
Page Two: Continue the Weaning Process! (How to Wean Your Child continued)
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