How to Wean Baby Off Breast Milk

There are lots of benefits to breastfeeding. Many women today will opt not to do it; then again more and more women are informed and have made the decision to breastfeed. It is a difficult task especially for first time moms; however, it’s a wonderful way to bond with your baby. When a woman chooses to breast feed, you are not only giving your baby a good start but also passing on all the antibodies the baby needs to protect him or herself until their body is strong enough to produce its own. Therefore, the breastfed baby is healthier, has less allergies, tend to have a better body mass index (BMI) not only during childhood but throughout adulthood. They are just less likely to be sick or have certain illnesses (i.e.; colds, flus and other infections). One of the greater benefits is that moms do not have to worry about freshness because breast milk is always fresh. More so, breastfeeding strengthens the abdominal muscles. This will be somewhat painful at first, because moms can feel the abdominal muscles contracting, however it’s worth it. Additionally, you are saving on baby food.

While breastfeeding it is compulsory to eat right and maintain a balanced diet since the baby consumes half of what the mom eats and because it’s important to the baby’s health. Moreover, breastfeeding increases bone strength and the benefits are greater if the mom is able to breastfeed for the first year or through to the second year. Although babies are ready for solid food by the sixth month, it is recommended by the surgeon general to breastfeed baby for the first two years because of the benefits; nonetheless, at the end of the day, it’s a very personal decision.

When breastfeeding it is essential to feed on demand, which can be quite challenging and very taxing. During this period the woman experiences sore and sensitive areola, nipples and possibly an engorged and sensitive breast. Thus, the toughest part of breastfeeding is weaning. It is difficult for many reasons. This includes the fact that this marks the end of the baby stage or a period when mom is able to bond with baby in a different way – on a different level. Yet and still it is probably easier to wean your baby when they are in their infancy as oppose to the toddler years. As the baby grows into a toddler, breastfeeding not only looses its nutritional value, but it also becomes a soothing thing for the toddler. Therefore, from personal experience I would recommend weaning after the first year, because it is less taxing on the mom physically and of course, easier…

If you choose to wean your infant within the first year, it is important to set a goal for yourself. How long do you give yourself before your infant is fully weaned off the breast? Is it three or four weeks…? What’s most comfortable for you and your baby? The bottom line is to set a date and commit to it.

No matter what the time period is, the next best thing that you should do is plan a menu for your infant. Therefore, increase the amount of solid food in ratio to breast milk daily.

More importantly, you should be mentally and emotionally ready to say ‘no’ to your infant when he or she refuses to go along with ‘the plan.’ Talk to your infant and explain how important it is to eat solid food. They may not understand everything, but if you eat with them that could be very encouraging. Take a bite and then give them a spoon. Make a game of it, pretend you are eating by putting the emphasis on ‘yum, yum, yummeee,’ and then fly the spoon towards or into his or her mouth.

Furthermore, be consistent and be strong! There will be times when you both regress, but stick to the plan. Look at how far you have come. Compare where were to where you’ve are at the present, and you will see that a small regression is nothing compare to huge strides that you have both made.

If you are weaning your toddler at or after age two, then there will be more of an emphasis on verbal communication. You will stress to the toddler that he or she is a ‘big boy’ or a ‘big girl,’ and is now ready to do ‘big kid stuff.

Create a menu for your child. Therefore, every time your toddler wants to breasts feed and grabs at your chest, presume that he or she is hungry even if they ate thirty minutes to an hour before. Ask your toddler if they are hungry, and if they are, have them select from their menu that day. Allow them to choose to promote independence and the idea that they are a ‘big kid’ now. It’s essential to give them a bit of control in terms of choosing what ‘they’ want to eat.

Additionally, set a date and stick to it.

Reward him or her with healthy treats if they do not breastfeed when they shouldn’t.

If your toddler was used to breastfeeding all day long, then maybe you can start by not breastfeeding during the daytime and then breastfeeding at night. Over time you can then focus on not breastfeeding at night and possibly substituting warm milk (which is a great aid in relaxing your toddler before bedtime), water or a little diluted juice.

Lastly, be consistent and be strong. There will be moments when you both regress, but stay positive and keep moving forward.