Ways to wean the child from breastfeeding

Ways to wean the child from breastfeeding

Contents

1 Breastfeeding

2 Weaning

3 Ways to wean the child from breastfeeding

4 Causes of weaning

5 Benefits of breastfeeding

6 References

Breastfeeding

Ways to wean the child from breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide the child with nutrients important for his normal growth and development,

Usually, most mothers can breastfeed their babies naturally.

It should be noted that the World Health Organization advises mothers to breastfeed only until the age of six months,

And continuing to breastfeed after this age, in addition to the introduction of solid foods into the diet of the child, and breastfeeding may continue for up to two years or more.

Weaning

Ways to wean the child from breastfeeding

Weaning is when the mother stops breastfeeding her baby, and provides solid foods or formula instead.

This occurs between six months and seven years of the child’s life, but most children are weaned at the age of two years.

It should be noted that weaning is a normal thing that all children go through, but it may be difficult for the mother and the child.

Providing solid food to a baby who is already formula feeding is also considered weaning.

Methods for weaning the child from breastfeeding

During weaning, the mother is advised to slow down and gradually with the child.

It is expected that the child will feel frustrated at first, but after a while he will get used to it, and these tips can facilitate the weaning process:

1- Missing a due date:

The mother can give the baby formula milk or a cup of milk instead of breastfeeding.

Reducing one feed at a time over a period of weeks gives the baby time to get used to the change.

As this method gradually reduces the mother’s milk production, without causing breast engorgement or mastitis.

2- Reducing the duration of breastfeeding:

The mother can try to reduce the feeding time. If the child, for example, is used to feeding for ten minutes, she can reduce it to five minutes, and give a healthy snack that is appropriate for the child’s age after feeding,

If the baby is less than six months old, the mother should give a meal of formula milk after breastfeeding.

Since the child is not then ready to eat solid food,

It should also be noted that it is difficult to reduce the time of feeding a baby before bed.

3- Postponing breastfeeding and distracting the child from breastfeeding:

 This method is useful if the child is over the age of one year; So that the mother can have a dialogue with her child, and distract him to delay feeding him.

If the baby is having difficulty weaning, here are some additional tips:

• Try to cuddle the child more
• Introduce a bottle of the formula before breast milk
• Try offering more extra drinks to your baby
• Offer only one breast per feeding
• Change your routine – for example, go out when it is time to feed your baby
• Ask your partner, friend, or relative to offer a cup of formula or a bottle to your baby
• Have your husband wake up to the baby when the child wakes up at night

Weaning management

Ways to wean the child from breastfeeding

The appropriate time for weaning varies from child to child; The mother decides the appropriate time to wean her baby.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends breastfeeding a child for at least one year.

The Academy also encourages women to continue breastfeeding for a longer period if they wish to do so, and there are several methods of managing weaning, including:

First Baby Led Weaning:

This happens when starting to introduce solid foods to the child between the ages of 4-6 months,

As it is possible for the child to lose interest in breastfeeding, which makes the weaning process easier.

Or, some children may show more interest in solid foods at age 1.

This is because they are exposed to new experiences, such as: trying different types of food, trying drinking from a cup,

Also, children between one and three years of age may be less interested in breastfeeding when their movement and activity increases.

It becomes annoying for them to sit for long periods of time to feed from their mothers, and their minds can easily get distracted, as these are signs that the baby is ready to wean.

Second Mother-Led weaning:

A mother may decide to wean her child for several reasons, including:

Back to work again,

The mother feels that it is the right time for her child to wean, and if the mother is ready for that and her child does not show signs of being ready for weaning, she can wean it by gradually reducing breastfeeding, and it may require more time and patience in this case, depending on the child’s age, and the speed of his accustomed to change.

Third Mother and baby -Led weaning

This is the easiest and most comfortable weaning for mother and baby.

It may happen when the child reaches the age of six months and starts eating solid foods, then breast milk and formula milk alone are not sufficient for the needs of the child during his growth.

Benefits of breastfeeding

Ways to wean the child from breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has many benefits for a child’s health, including the following:

1- ideal feeding for the infant:

Most health authorities advise the mother to breastfeed. Because it provides the baby with all the nutrients he needs until the age of six months,

It is worth noting that the components of breast milk differ according to the changing needs of the child. Especially in the first month of his life.

The milk produced by the mother in the first days of breastfeeding contains high levels of protein and many compounds beneficial to the health of the infant.

It also contains a low percentage of sugar, and the milk produced by the mother in the first days after birth is called colostrum (in English: colostrum).

And it is important for the growth and development of the digestive system of an under-developed infant.

A few days later, the mother begins to produce more milk to cover the needs of the baby.

2- Strengthening immunity:

Breast milk, especially colostrum, is rich in antibodies that help prevent diseases by fighting viruses and bacteria.

The mother’s body creates antibodies when exposed to germs and viruses, and these antibodies are transmitted from the mother to the infant through milk during breastfeeding.

3- Reducing the risk of many diseases:

Breastfeeding reduces the infant’s infection with many diseases, such as:

Middle ear infections, respiratory infections, influenza, Sudden infant death syndrome, leukemia, and many other diseases.

4- Increase the child’s weight in a healthy way:

 Breastfeeding promotes normal and healthy weight gain of the infant, and prevents childhood obesity.

 It also positively affects his brain development and reduces his likelihood of experiencing learning difficulties.

İmportant notice:

The content of the submitted articles, including all text, graphics, images, and other materials, is provided for educational purposes only.

The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice or professional diagnosis.

Moreover, the information on this website should not be taken as a final medical advice in relation to any case or individual situation.

We strongly recommend that you always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health service provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition, your general health, or the health of your child.

References:

https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/weaning

https://www.babycenter.com/baby/breastfeeding/weaning

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