In the first six months, breastfeeding is very important for a newborn baby and represents the best possible nutrition for him. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the end of the 6th month, and after the introduction of complementary foods, mothers should continue breastfeeding until their child is two years old. And if it suits both mother and baby, even longer. However, there will be situations in life when it is necessary to wean a baby from the mother's breast. How to proceed so that the baby does not notice any changes as much as possible and the mother also feels good?
Some mothers approach breastfeeding extremely responsibly and try to breastfeed their baby for as long as possible. If it suits them and there are no complications, everything is fine and their little one can receive nutrition from breast milk for several years. Basically, it is up to them when to stop breastfeeding. But what if the mother needs to start taking medications that are incompatible with breastfeeding? Or what if the family situation does not allow for further breastfeeding?
For the proper development of the baby, both his nutrition and the mother's psychological health and well-being are important. If breastfeeding is no longer suitable for the mother for any reason or would represent an excessive burden for her, it is possible to stop breastfeeding by following a certain procedure. It is important to remember that the mother is important to the baby, whether she is breastfeeding or not. If she is dealing with health complications, an unfavorable psychological state, difficult family circumstances or work obligations, this is a reason that sometimes even the effort to breastfeed the baby for as long as possible must give way.
Possible reasons for stopping breastfeeding:
- mother's health problems
- unfavorable family circumstances
- the first lactation crisis in the baby's 6th month (sleep patterns change and babies require more frequent breastfeeding, which can make the mother feel exhausted)
- hospitalization
- long-term business trip
- return to work
You know that... Can you return to breastfeeding after hospitalization or after returning from a business trip? However, this may not always be possible and you also need to follow the procedure to avoid stopping breast milk production.
Weaning has no special rules and can be guided by both you and your baby. There are three basic methods:
1. self-shutdown
2. gradual cessation of breastfeeding
3. rapid cessation of breastfeeding (usually for serious reasons)
Some babies wean themselves from breastfeeding overnight. They simply lose interest in the breast, whether you like it or not.
If you decide to wean your baby and you have enough time for this process, it is a relatively favorable situation. You can start by breastfeeding for a shorter period of time and initially skip one feeding per week and replace it with another food. The next week you skip two feedings, the next week three and so on.
On the other hand, a quick weaning method is not the most ideal, but sometimes there are situations when it is necessary. The mother also has to survive, which is the most important thing for her and the child. For example, so that she can continue to care for him.
You know that... Can a partner help significantly in the weaning process? It is important for a baby to know that he has both parents, which is why it is very appropriate for his father to get up at night to offer him a drink and reassure him that he is not alone.
What you should consider before weaning
First, think about why you want to stop breastfeeding. You don't have to explain it to anyone, your decision is yours alone. It's important to identify what's driving you to do so. Is it going back to work? Are you tired of breastfeeding at night or are there health problems behind it? If you clarify this, it will be much easier for you to find a way to stop breastfeeding simply and smoothly. Then try to answer the following questions:
- Is your baby healthy?
- Will you want to replace breast milk?
- Can you control your body's reaction?
If your baby has allergy problems , intolerances or has a predisposition to it, try to reconsider your decision, or ask your pediatrician about the possible risks. However, weaning is generally not recommended in such cases.
If none of the above applies to your baby, consider replacing breast milk. If your baby is under a year old, formula should be the replacement. replacement infant formula , later fermented milk products can also provide milk protein, and subsequently kefir or classic cow's milk or its plant-based substitute.
Also consider how your body will react to the end of breastfeeding. When you gradually stop breastfeeding, your milk supply usually decreases slowly and should not be a problem.
Tip: Express milk when you feel tension in your breasts, but don't do it too often so as not to stimulate milk production.
If you need to stop breastfeeding overnight, milk production in the glands will continue and inflammation may occur. It is therefore a good idea to consult your gynecologist.
What helps reduce lactation:
- cold compression (applying cold compresses)
- a firm bra (which also provides comfort to the mother)
- herbs and natural supplements (sage, mint, nettle)
- sufficient fluid intake (excessive amounts stimulate milk production)
- limiting physical breast stimulation (warm water in the shower or breast massage)
- pharmaceutical preparations (you should always consult a doctor about these)
How about weaning?
It involves a gradual reduction in the number of breastfeedings . Ideally, it should be done without crying, sadness, with feeling and love . Therefore, when feeding your baby, do not forget to show affection and cuddle with him even after weaning. Let him know that you are still close to him.
Show your baby love
Weaning does not in any way break the relationship between mother and baby. If you have weaned your baby, treat him the same way you did before. Communicate with him the same way you did when breastfeeding. Feed him in your arms and maintain eye and voice contact with him. And of course, don't forget about gentle touches .
You know that... If you wean gradually and gently, you won't have to feel guilty about depriving your little one of anything, right?
Don't blame yourself.
Sometimes breastfeeding can become unbearable for a mother. Psychological reasons are also a reason to stop breastfeeding. If you experience stress or nervousness in the family, the situation needs to be addressed. The stress would eventually be transferred to the child anyway. However, we do not advise anyone to give up without a fight . If you decide to wean, detailed instructions on how to do it, practical advice and procedures can be found in the Weaning from Breastfeeding manual, which you can download for free. here .
