Stopping Breastfeeding Without the Guilt
Weaning from breastfeeding is not a simple task. You can’t just end breastfeeding as quick as a wink. Why? Because it’s the main bond that has linked you to your baby ever since he got out of your womb. And if I’m guessing correctly and you believe in the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for baby for at least until 6 months of age, then it will be most difficult – most especially for you – to let go.
Also, as we are all well aware of, breastfed infants are normally healthier compared to their non-breastfed counterparts. They usually have fewer episodes of upper respiratory infections (like asthma), ear infections and gastrointestinal diseases. And most breastfed babies grow faster, physically and emotionally.
That is the reason why most women have problems with stopping. In one study, some of the reasons that women stopped breastfeeding in the first four weeks of baby’s life included the following: sore nipples, the infant having difficulties in latching on to the nipple, and the notion that the baby was not getting enough milk due to the mother having not much production of breast milk.
After four weeks, the most common reasons were divided into three main reasons: Some moms felt that their breast milk was not providing enough nutrition for the baby, some have to get back to work (a work leave after birth only lasts for a couple of months anyway), and some feel that it was the right time to stop.
But then you would question the last one – how do you know that it is the right time to stop?
The thing is, no one can really tell when. But one thing is for sure – unless your reason for stopping breastfeeding is a concern for your physical appearance (to which I say, how dare you call yourself a mother!), then you really shouldn’t be guilty about stopping. Especially if you are a first time mom, breastfeeding changes are sometimes confusing and disconcerting. So just when you’ve become used to it as your comfort zone for the past months, suddenly you realize that you need to stop for whatever reason.
All you need to know, is that for the first 6 months, your baby needs nothing else but your breast milk. If you feel that your milk production is lacking, then you can check with your doctor so he can help you. Discuss your feelings and perceptions about breastfeeding. Women, especially the first time moms, may need support, especially in the early days of childbirth. There are also lactation consultants that you can ask about breast milk and other concerns. Sometimes, all we need to do to continue is to be informed. Just think, baby gets his nutritional needs, and you rest assured that you’re giving him what he needs.
But if you’ve breastfed him for at least 6 months, then there is no need for concern. Know that you have given your baby everything that he needs through your breast milk. You can now give him solid food to slowly wean him out of breastfeeding.
If you’ve breastfed for less than 6 months, then you still shouldn’t feel guilty. The fact that you’ve breastfed him means that you tried your best to do your part. No matter what the reason is, especially if it’s a medical condition, then you should know that you did what you could. And look forward to the next phase which is weaning – see your little one grow his way into independence.
