Weaning Tips For Breastfeeding Moms

Are you a breastfeeding mama?  Do you have questions about the best way to begin weaning?  I decided to reach out to other moms on the momstown Milton message board who have or are weaning from nursing to see what worked for them.  Here are some tips that were suggested to me by more than one mom, so they must be good ones, right?!?

1.    Begin when you and baby are ready.  Don’t start the weaning process because others tell you it’s time.  If you or your child are not ready it will be a very frustrating experience for both of you.

2.    Take it slow.  Drop one feed at a time.  Begin with feeds where you would try solid foods, maybe replace it with a snack.  Also dropping one feed at a time will help with your breasts feeling full.  It will make it less painful.

3.    If your child is older, skip the bottle.  A lot of breastfed babies prefer cups with straws.

4.     Offer extra comfort.  Some babies breastfeed to feel safe.  Offer more hugs and kisses and cuddles at bed time.  Introduce a new lovey that they can snuggle with.

5.     Choose the time to wean wisely.  Don’t begin weaning if there are major changes happening in babies life (For example, mom going back to work).  Also, if baby is sick, wait for him/her to feel better before beginning

Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience and there is no reason why the weaning process shouldn’t be also.  Most important tip I can offer is do what feels right for you and your child.  Only you will know the right time to wean.  Whether you follow your child’s lead or you initiate it, make sure it is because you want to and not what society deems as the right thing to do. 

Happy Weaning!

This post was written by Angela Hickman who is a mom to a 4 year old and a 1 year old and is a momstown Milton member. Check out her blog at: http://angela-mommytimeout.blogspot.ca/

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