Weaning From Breastfeeding And Its Difficulty

Weaning from breastfeeding is a delicate process that is worth going through gradually. It often requires a lot of patience and love. Stopping breastfeeding does not mean that the intimate and loving bond that has arisen between mother and baby will disappear. Weaning a baby from breast milk is the beginning of a new way of eating and also a new stage for the mother in relation to her baby.

Breast milk contains all the fats, proteins and vitamins a newborn needs. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the baby be fully breastfed for six months, after which breastfeeding should be continued as part of the child’s diet until the age of two. In Finland, the Nutrition Committee of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is happy to recommend full breastfeeding for six, but at least four months.

In addition to the fact that breast milk is the best possible nutrition for a small child, breastfeeding, among other things, strengthens the baby’s resistance, improves digestion, reduces the risk of adult arterial disease and strengthens the mother-child bond.

What does weaning mean?

The transition from breastfeeding to other types of food is commonly known as weaning. It doesn’t just mean replacing milk with other foods, as it’s a process that can be emotionally heavy.

The onset of detoxification can come about for many reasons. It may be that the mother decides to start it, or maybe the baby loses interest in breast milk. Sometimes milk production is not plentiful enough, or it stops over time.

Whatever the situation, the weaning process can be difficult for both parties, so it’s worth preparing for.

When and how should weaning begin?

There is no specific moment for detoxification. However, some experts  recommend doing it gradually before the child’s first birthday.

One method that is often recommended is to  reduce the duration of feeds and at the same time start using other types of food. Some parents have obtained good results by giving solid food during the day and continuing breastfeeding only at night.

It is important that you talk to your pediatrician about what would be the best way to wean your baby. She can help you through the transition process so that you can gradually incorporate new types of foods to ensure that your child’s diet is balanced.

Benefits of weaning

While detoxification can be very difficult for both mother and baby, it brings with it some emotional and nutritional benefits.

When your baby is able to eat something other than breast milk, you can  feel better when he is left to be cared for by others. This is important if you need to go back to work, or if you even go about things.

During weaning, your baby will receive valuable nutrients from other foods that will be given to him. At the same time, she continues to receive protection against diseases from your breast milk.

Tips for breastfeeding your baby

There are many ways to start weaning in a conscious and respectful way so that both mother and baby can get out of this episode with minimal trauma.

• The process should be flexible. It should never be a sudden, one-day thing – it would be ideal to spend about 2-3 months completely weaning your baby from breast milk.

• If you do not carry out this process gradually, you will probably suffer from some nasty symptoms such as hardness and pain in your chest.
• Try not to start weaning during stressful times, such as your first weeks back at work or when your baby starts treatment.
• Before breastfeeding,  try to provide her with other types of food so she can get used to the tastes and compositions.
• The baby needs patience and affection during weaning. So be kind when you provide food for your baby.

Even if you no longer hold your baby in your arms and breastfeed her quite constantly, your bandage will never disappear. Every mother and baby is a unique duo, so only the two of you can know when and how this process should be handled.

Weaning is one of nature’s many marvelous secrets that you get to know in motherhood.