You and your child have had a wonderful nursing experience. Your baby has been growing and thriving on Mom's milk, and the two of you have been enjoying the wonderful bonding that nursing encourages. But, all good things must come to an end eventually, leaving you wondering how to stop breastfeeding.
There are many reasons why nursing ends; ideally, it happens because both mother and child are ready to wean. Other times, a mother may need to go back to work or school. Occasionally, weaning must happen because of medical issues or other unforeseen circumstances.
When Should You Wean?
When to wean is a very personal decision. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and breastfeeding for the first year. Beyond that, you can keep going as long as it's mutually desired by you and your child. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, with breastfeeding continuing for at least two years.
Weaning usually happens naturally as your baby grows and begins to eat some other foods. He will begin to nurse less, spend less time at the breast and begin to skip feedings. The process is very gradual, and as your baby demands less milk, your body produces less and less until weaning is complete. If you must wean before this process happens on its own, it is best to try to mimic nature. Start by choosing a feeding that your baby is the least interested in, and cut that feeding out. Every few days, cut back another feeding until your child has weaned completely.
Tips for Quicker Weaning
If you are the one who is ready to wean, but your baby is upset about not getting to nurse, then weaning will be more of a challenge. Try to offer substitutes for the old nursing session, like giving your child a sippy cup or a small snack instead. You may find this trick is more successful if you change the location from where you usually nurse. For example, if you and your child normally sit on the sofa to nurse, try offering your substitute in the kitchen instead. If your child still has trouble, it helps if you are able to get assistance from another caregiver. Many children who refuse to take a sippy cup from Mom because they would rather nurse will happily take one from Dad.
If you must wean abruptly due to illness or other issues, it can be quite traumatic for both mother and baby. It is essential to provide your baby with plenty of non-nursing attention during this transition. To keep yourself comfortable and to avoid a breast infection during abrupt weaning, it is important to keep your breasts from getting engorged with milk. Use a breast pump to relieve the pressure, but only pump until you are comfortable. Pumping to the point of let down will encourage your body to make more milk. Cold packs and breast massage can offer further comfort.
Abrupt weaning causes some hormonal changes as well, which can result in some emotional distress, so be sure to have plenty of support during this time.
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