The Process of Weaning Your Baby

Weaning your baby from the breast is a personal decision, which isn't always the easiest choice to make. Sometimes the child wants to hold on to the comfort nursing provides even if the mother is ready to stop. Pushing a child to wean too soon can result in emotional distress for the child. Persistent crying and lethargy can happen if a child is forced to stop nursing abruptly. It can take time for the child to adjust to the absence of breastfeeding. If you're thinking about weaning your child it is best to wean gradually for a number of reasons. Weaning too fast can cause a sudden drop in hormones which can result in feelings of sadness and depression for the mother. It can also cause the mother to become engorged, which can make her susceptible to breast infections such as mastitis. Child led weaning or gradual weaning is usually best for mother and baby.

Child- led Weaning

Child led weaning is weaning based on the needs of the child. All babies and children grow and develop at their own pace. Mothers who decide to go with child led weaning will stop offering the breast at a certain stage. They will then basically nurse when the child asks. This is called don't offer don't refuse. Every child is different. Some children will decide to stop nursing at just over a year old, and some children will want to continue nursing for years. This particular method of weaning may not work into the lifestyle of every mother, and can be a challenge for working mothers.

Mother- led Weaning

Mother led weaning is when weaning is initiated by the mother. Mothers can help their children wean from the breast in a gradual loving way. Most children will persist to keep nursing for a while until they start getting to used to other forms of comfort from their mother. Gradual weaning happens slowly as the mother replaces nursing sessions for solid food, drink, or other forms of comfort such as a story, cuddling, or playing. Gradual weaning can happen without fuss because it is done slowly.

A great book to help you through the weaning process is How Weaning Happens by Diane Bengson. This book takes you through all the steps of child led and mother lead weaning, as well as personal stories from other mothers.