Both pumping and breast-feeding can increase the supply of breast milk, which may prolong discomfort and slow the weaning process. Weaning can be stressful but is rarely dangerous.
The two primary risks of weaning are a breast infection and malnourishment in the baby. Some mothers develop depression or anxiety , and some infants struggle to soothe themselves without breast-feeding. Breast milk is more than a source of nutrition. Breast-feeding also offers babies comfort when they are stressed or afraid. Many babies fall asleep while feeding.
Having another parent or caregiver comfort the baby can also help. Infants in the process of weaning may aggressively try to feed. Allowing someone else to comfort or feed the baby can significantly reduce stress for the mother and baby. Firmly supporting the breasts and reducing the amount of milk expressed from them can help to gradually reduce milk secretion.
Breast pads can be used in a bra to soak up any leaking milk. Painkilling medication and cold or gel packs inserted into the bra can help to resolve discomfort or pain. Cold cabbage leaves also have a soothing effect on the breasts, but be sure to store them in a refrigerator and change them when they become limp. If you experience pain in the breasts while lying down, sleep with a pillow supporting the breast area. Those who sleep on their front can use a pillow under the stomach and hips to support the breasts.
Mothers should be patient with infants who do not want to wean. The baby may temporarily regress to an earlier stage of development, be anxious or clingy, or cry more frequently than usual. After several weeks, these issues will improve. According to new research, more than half of babies in the United States are given non-milk foods and fluids before the recommended 6-month mark.
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Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. When to Wean When to wean is a personal decision and will be different for everyone. If you and your child have decided it is time to wean and your child is younger than 12 months old… Give your child infant formula in place of breast milk.
He or she does not need infant formula or toddler milks, drinks, or formula. Top of Page. To receive email updates about this topic, enter your email address. When a baby fully weans, he or she is no longer getting any nutrition from breastfeeding. The natural weaning process typically begins when a baby starts solid foods at about six months of age. Early weaning is when a baby stops breastfeeding before natural weaning begins.
Some mothers choose to wean early, and others have to stop breastfeeding before they want to. Here are some of the many reasons a mother may wean sooner than expected:. Research shows that breastfeeding provides your child with many health benefits. Breast milk is easily digestible, and it contains all the nutrients a baby needs as well as antibodies and immune properties to prevent infections and illness.
When a child is weaned early, he may miss out on some of these benefits:. Studies also show that breastfeeding is favorable for mothers. By continuing to breastfeed longer, moms may receive these health advantages:.
Not only does breastfeeding provide a variety of health and developmental benefits for your child, but the longer you breastfeed, the greater they will be. The benefits of breastfeeding can also last into adulthood. So, it is good for you and your child if you can continue to breastfeed longer. Here are some of the things you can do to prevent early weaning. Early weaning could also mean having to wean before you planned.
If you need to take time to grieve the loss of the breastfeeding experience, that's OK. As difficult as it may be, try to focus on the special time you were able to spend breastfeeding and remember that any amount of breast milk that your child received is beneficial.
Breastfeeding is only one small piece in a lifetime of parenting. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until your baby starts eating solid foods at around six months.
This way your baby can get used to the change in routine and diet, and your body can get used to not making milk. Plenty of cuddles and time with you can help your baby feel secure and loved without relying on the breast.
You can wean baby to a cup or a bottle. By months, babies can learn to drink straight from a cup. Drop one breastfeed at a time, and wait a few days or a week before you drop the next one.
If you stop breastfeeding quickly, your breasts might fill with milk engorge and get very uncomfortable.
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