When it comes time to wean, countless fears, doubts and concerns arise. On the one hand, natural feelings appear that can make you think that you are making a selfish decision. maybe emotionally you are not prepared to break that union so special, unique between mother and son. But at some point it has to happen, because you can't breastfeed your child forever.
No one can set a deadline for you, no one should decide for you, you and your own child are the only ones who can decide on this issue. On that basis and whatever your reasons, regardless of whether the child is older or younger, the most important thing is that it be a respectful weaning at all times. In this way, it will be done gradually and without creating any disorder in the baby.
What is weaning and how to make it respectful of the baby
Weaning is the time when the baby stops drinking lactation maternal completely, definitively. In each case weaning occurs at a different time. For some it comes with the introduction to food, for others after a year and for many families much later, since more and more women continue breastfeeding for years.
In any case, for weaning to be respectful, it must be done through a gradual process. You can't remove the breast overnight, because the baby needs an adaptation. On the contrary Various problems can arise that can be avoided with some tips like the ones we leave you below.
Do not offer your breast, but do not deny it either
The first step for weaning to occur is to gradually eliminate the baby's need to suckle. The normal thing is that in any situation you offer your breast, whether it is time for a feed, to put him to sleep or when he breaks down crying for any reason. For a respectful weaning you have to start with look for other tools with which to manage these situations.
Now, if it is your son who is looking for the breast, do not deny him. At the same time he tries to try other things, that he eat several meals a day so that don't need to breastfeed because of hunger, techniques to entertain him when he cries or find a way to put him to sleep without the breast. If you need it, don't deny it, just start trying other things little by little.
Reduce breastfeeding
Little by little you will have to eliminate some of the breast feedings, until the child gets used to it. Usually the most complicated is at night, because children use the breast as a reassuring tool. It is preferable that you eliminate some of the daily meals, which you can replace with fruit or formula milk. You can even give him breast milk but in a bottle or in an adaptation glass.
Respectful night weaning
Perhaps the most complex part of weaning, the one that costs the most for the child since it is associated with his sleep. When he wakes up he looks for the breast, so he calms down and can go back to sleep. But for the mother it is the most exhausting part and if it goes on for a long time, it can cause significant disorders. To begin with, you should get him used to sleeping in another way than with the chest.
Starts with a bedtime routine that includes time alone with your child, so that he feels just as wrapped up, pampered and protected with mom. Singing quiet songs to sleep, telling stories or gently massaging the baby are techniques that work quite well, although they take time for the child to adapt. Therefore, it is very important to do it little by little and always respecting the child's time.
The most important thing for a respectful weaning is to take into account the feelings of the child, but without leaving aside those of the mother. With a lot of affection, understanding and patience, the final weaning will take place and a unique stage will end.