Weaning your baby from milk is not difficult. All you need to do is pick the right method and time to wean it off. All mothers feel concerned about how upset the baby seems and whether or not it will cause engorgement of the breasts. In this article, we will explain how to do it properly.
What is the right time for weaning?
Doctors recommend breastfeeding the baby as its only source of nutrition for the first six months. Afterwards, you can start introducing food alongside the mother’s milk between 6–12 months. You can continue breastfeeding as you wish as weaning is a personal decision. Although it becomes easier when the baby shows signs of being ready to stop. This usually happens around 6 months when normal developments in feeding occur.
Babies usually start accepting new kinds of food at one year old. At this age, babies can usually eat a variety of foods and can drink from a cup. Although some babies may not show signs of being ready for weaning until after they can walk.
On the other hand, you can wean your baby regardless of its readiness, although you should expect that to be harder. The baby will require more attention. Whatever your decision is, you will need to focus on your baby’s needs during this time. Avoid comparing your baby’s development with others and do not set an age limit for weaning.
Are there times when it is not recommended to start weaning your baby?
You should delay weaning in the following cases:
• If you are worried about allergens. Research shows that breastfeeding for the first six months may prevent or delay Eczema and milk allergy.
• If your baby is sick, you should wait until it recovers. You should also delay it if you are sick yourself. This process will be a lot easier if both of you are healthy.
• If there are changes in the baby’s environment, such as moving to a new home or any changes in the baby’s care.
What is the method to start weaning?
First, you should reduce breastfeeding gradually by reducing the number of feedings and reducing the time for each feeding. This should take between a few weeks to several months. This will help reduce milk flow and prevent breast engorgement. You can use cold packs if engorgement occurs.
When you manage to reduce the feedings, the next step is to skip one feeding each day. Don’t start with the first or last two feedings of the day because babies are emotionally attached to these. Instead, skip mid-day feedings. If your baby is one year or older, it may not ask for those feedings. Introduce food to your baby then immediately start playing, which may help the baby forget it needs to breastfeed. If you are able to successfully skip one feeding, you can then proceed to skipping another. You can also try giving it expressed breast milk in a cup during the day and use breastfeeding at night only.
Do I have to stop breastfeeding completely during the weaning process?
If your baby asks for breastfeeding and you reject it, this may cause negative results. Instead, breastfeed your baby whenever it needs and try to distract it with new foods or a favorite toy during the usual feeding times. Also avoid sitting at the usual breastfeeding locations.
What can the baby have after weaning?
If you successfully wean your baby off before it is one year old, you can introduce expressed breast milk in a cup or iron fortified formula. You can ask your doctor about the best formula for your baby. Do not introduce regular cow milk before the baby is one year old. You can do this in several steps. Use the bottle first, then a cup. If your baby shows signs of being ready, you can use the cup directly. Do not introduce the bottle when your baby is very hungry. Choose a slow-flow nipple so the baby does not feel a big difference.
How long do you need to complete the weaning process?
You may need between a few days to several months. Always remember that hurrying through the process may upset your baby and may cause breast engorgement. Breastfeeding your baby has an emotional dimension to you and your baby and so you may hesitate getting it done. Performing it gradually while increasing your attention to the baby will make it easier for both of you.