Weaning is the process of introducing an infant to food and withdrawing the supply of mother's milk. How and when to wean an infant is often a matter of debate. Most Medical Institutions and authorities recommend exclusive breast feeding a baby for the first six months of its life.
However in today's time and age, when most women are working breast feeding is a challenge. A baby is considered to be weaned, when he stops nursing and gets all his nutrition from sources other than breasts.
Generally, weaning is a long process and you are the best judge to decide when you want to wean your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breast feeds for at least a year and even encourages to breastfeed longer if you want to.
In my case, I breastfeeded both my kids till they were 2.5 years of age. When I tell this, most mothers look in amusement and their mother-in-laws in admiration. Has this ever happened to you?
Well, start slowly regardless of your child's age as abruptly withholding could be traumatic for your baby and you too causing infection or fever. Try simple methods -
- Skip a feed : As the baby starts taking solids, reduce feeding over a period of time. This will give your child time to adjust. Your milk supply also diminishes gradually, without leaving your breast vulnerable to infections.
- Distract : Try postponing feeding to a couple of times in a day. This method works well with older kids as you can assure him/ her. Also distract the baby with different activities.
- Spend time with your baby : Weaning or trying to wean doesn't mean, you have to end the intimate bond created between you and your child during nursing. Try story telling or playing with him.
At times, the child may feel uncomfortable, find other ways to make him feel better.
Despite what relatives and friends say, you are the best judge to decide when it's time to wean.
Generally, weaning is a long process and you are the best judge to decide when you want to wean your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breast feeds for at least a year and even encourages to breastfeed longer if you want to.
In my case, I breastfeeded both my kids till they were 2.5 years of age. When I tell this, most mothers look in amusement and their mother-in-laws in admiration. Has this ever happened to you?
Well, start slowly regardless of your child's age as abruptly withholding could be traumatic for your baby and you too causing infection or fever. Try simple methods -
- Skip a feed : As the baby starts taking solids, reduce feeding over a period of time. This will give your child time to adjust. Your milk supply also diminishes gradually, without leaving your breast vulnerable to infections.
- Distract : Try postponing feeding to a couple of times in a day. This method works well with older kids as you can assure him/ her. Also distract the baby with different activities.
- Spend time with your baby : Weaning or trying to wean doesn't mean, you have to end the intimate bond created between you and your child during nursing. Try story telling or playing with him.
At times, the child may feel uncomfortable, find other ways to make him feel better.
Despite what relatives and friends say, you are the best judge to decide when it's time to wean.
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