Introduction to Weaning Problems
When the time comes that a child should be weaned, many mothers tend to give out a sigh of relief. Though joyous, breastfeeding can be challenging, and it is definitely tiring. Children, on the other hand, tend to have mixed emotions when it comes to the subject of weaning. Depending on your child’s age, different weaning problems can occur.
For this reason, weaning from breastfeeding should be a gradual process. It is important that the breastfeeding sessions are substituted with formula milk (preferably iron fortified) or solid food feedings. Some mothers like giving their children cow’s milk, but this is not advisable till after the child is a year old. Before this year, your child’s stomach may not be able to digest the protein in cow’s milk. You can give your child full cream cow’s milk till they are two years of age, and then switch them to 2% milk or skim milk. Before their 2nd birthday, your child needs the fats you can find in cow’s milk, and after that, their fat intake should be lessened.
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when it comes to weaning. If you have any doubts or are confused about anything, do not hesitate to call your doctor. Raising a child is tricky, and weaning your baby is one of the trickiest parts. Encountering problems is not uncommon, so do not worry if you have one, and know that you are not alone.
One of the most common weaning problems is nipple confusion, let's take a look at what it's all about.
Nipple Confusion
One of the most popular breastfeeding problems, nipple confusion, occurs when a baby prefers one nipple over the other, either the mother’s nipple over an artificial teat or an artificial teat over a mother’s nipple. Some people want to dispute nipple confusion, but a majority of mothers and doctors do vouch for its existence. Babies are little people of habit, and it is what they are used to that they find comfort in; this is the main reason behind nipple confusion.
When your baby feeds from your nipple, your baby puts their tongue under your nipple in order to create suction. Your baby then sucks at the nipple in a massaging motion and milk is pumped from the milk ducts, towards the nipple, and into your baby’s mouth. Feeding from an artificial teat is different.
When feeding from an artificial teat, your baby uses their tongue to stop some of the milk flow in order to swallow and then lets the milk flow again. Bottles only need a gentle suck for milk to flow, while breasts may take several deep sucks before the milk even “lets down” and starts flowing. Sometimes it is difficult for a baby to master both skills, and that is why one method is chosen, and nipple confusion occurs.
Page Two: Why Nipple Confusion Occurs (Introduction to Weaning Problems continued)
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