Tips For Weaning Breastfeeding Babies

Five Tips For Relieving Pain While Weaning

NursingBreastfeedingListWeaning

5 Comments

Wow, this all seems so unnecessary. As several have said, go slow - or don't go at all. It isn't as if mom's milk suddenly loses its immunological or nutritional properties, and they're still good for a toddler (who is still a baby). There's a reason the World Health Organization recommends continued breastfeeding for 24 months - the immune system is not complete and can still use help the second year. And one study found that later milk was higher in fat so provided important calories for "picky" toddler eaters. Even if a year is enough for you - and way to go, that's a terrific accomplishment for yourself as well as your baby - gradual weaning will be much more comfortable for you and your breasts and for baby. (Some moms find if they first cut out the feedings that "bug" them, they often don't mind leaving in one or more others that don't.) BTW, water is a natural diuretic so why restrict? Do consider restricting beverages/foods that are higher in sodium - dairy, processed meats, canned vegetables, many snack foods, etc.
like gmarie says, the way to do it is gradually. i also weaned very slowly, dropping one feeding a month until we were done. it helps if you can nurse for at least the full first year, b/c by the time you're ready to wean, they are eating plenty of other things, and you can start the transition to other kinds of milk. i also know not everyone has the luxury of weaning slowly enough so as not to make it painful, so i hope these suggestions work for those of you who need some relief!
GMarie GMarie
My son nursed for 22 months, so by the time he weaned, I'd gradually narrowed it down (over the course of about 4 months) to once a day. That made the process much easier on both of us. No pain for me, no crying for him. It worked out. Obviously, not everyone either can do that or is willing to, so it's great that there are lots of options.
Sudafed should really be a last resort. There's no reason to medicate yourself unnecessarily. And wean gradually.
jenni5 jenni5
I never tried sudafed, but none of the others worked for me. The cabbage in my sports bra was especially attractive.
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