Breastfeeding is an almost sacred process where your baby gets its nutrition from you. The process of breastfeeding not only strengthens the bond between you and your child but it also protects the child as mother milk is supposed to contain antibodies that fight infections and diseases.
Weaning is a difficult process for both you and the baby. Feeding off you is a comfort that your baby finds. And to take that away is a heart wrenching process that involves a few days of tears and drama.
Here are some tips to make the transition easier:
- Slow and steady
Do not suddenly stop giving your baby your milk altogether. Give him some time to get used to the fact that the milk he is getting from you is gradually reducing.
For example if you give your baby 5-7 feeds per day, reduce the number of breastfeeds to 5 then 4 and gradually till it reaches none.
- Replace
You must understand that your milk provides your bay with some nutrition and is literally a meal for him or her. So when you are weaning your baby, do no forget to replace his or her intake with other food or drinks like cow’s milk or regular food.
- Apply a bitter solution
Although many people do not agree with this method, it worked for me. I simply applied a paste of bitter neem leaves. You can use lemon or any other natural bitter ingredient to make your breast repulsive for your baby.
- Night time feeds
This feed is the most difficult to stop. Try to give a heavy meal at night so that he will have his tummy full and will not need much milk.
Of course a lot of crying will be involved but you’ll just have to be strong and face it. Soon you baby will realize that breast feeding is not a solution to fall asleep.
While you are weaning in the night, he might wake up in the night and want your breast to suckle and got to bed. Simply soothe him, sing and rock him on your shoulder to bed.
Crying is undoubtedly going to be there but he will soon realize it is not of any use. Babies have short term memory. After a few weeks they won’t even remember how they drank their milk.
If weaning at night is getting really difficult, try asking your husband or any other family member to put him to bed.
- Distraction
At the times that your baby usually feeds and you have started the weaning process, offer lots of distractions and even try to get him or her to drink out of a Sippy cup or a straw.
Be calm. You child senses your moods. So be casual and your baby will also not get worked up and get into a state of distress.
Provide distractions in the form of snacks which will not only keep your baby’s tummy full but also have something to put in his mouth besides your breasts.
This is a trying time for your baby and you. Just be patient and be strong.
Gradually with a lot of love, support and comfort and your baby will get through this stage of development.
Written by: Rasha Ashraf
