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There are no set of rules or guidelines to initiate weaning your baby, but there are some recommendations that have proven to be scientifically useful. This article has been taken from studies that were conducted by several lactation consultants and developmental experts on how you can make your baby ready for weaning.
Babies and surprises are two peas in a pod. Every day you will see or note your baby do something surprising. So here are 10 steps guide to weaning your baby.
1. Identify when your baby is decreasing breastfeeding
Your baby will leave clues and it is up to you whether you can comprehend the signs or not. They will sit up straight, put their head up, express interest in adult food, put their hands and toys inside their mouth, etc are some common signs. You will also note how your baby’s active tongue thrust reflex will also fade away with time.
2. Set a timetable for weaning
Give you and your baby one full month to stop breastfeeding once and for all. Prevent weaning during major changes taking place in your baby like teething, starting daycare, or even moving homes. This could disrupt the schedule.
3. Give time, be steady but slow
Give time to you and your baby to adjust to all the changes. Reduce breastfeeding to six times a week instead of seven. In case your baby is 9 months or older then wean directly to a cup to not deal with feeding bottles right away.
There are two reasons why you should go slow, you will produce less milk every week and allow your baby to adjust.
4. Provide emotional support to your baby
Since breastfeeding provides physical support to your baby when you are weaning your baby find alternative ways to provide support. You can start doing activities as alternatives.
5. Let your baby lead you
It is okay for your baby to take lead. Some babies excel in taking lead while weaning while others let their mothers take charge. Rely on doesn’t offer, don’t refuse method, i.e. you cater to your baby’s interests and not initiate anything on your own.
6. Level up the feeding routine
If your baby is not taking the bottle from you, then ask someone else to step in. say for example the father, grandparents, or aunts and uncles. Depending on who gels well with the baby, they can step in with the bottle weaning the baby.
7. Don’t be surprised when you receive resistance from your baby after stopping breastfeeding.
Your baby might mourn for the loss of breasts for a day or two. That is completely normal and nothing for you to worry about. Usually, Babies have no trouble drinking from sippy cups. Healthy babies usually prefer eating when they are hungry despite having an urge to nurse.
8. Prevent-or soothe-engorgement
This is a tip for mothers, if you are engorged then soothe the pain with ice packs and takes it easy for the next few days. Wait for your breasts to get adjusted so that the milk production is under control.
9. Be gradual with the breastfeeding, consider partial breastfeeding
If you are a working mother, then this step should work in your favor. During the day, your caregiver could provide the baby with baby formula while during the night and morning you can breastfeed your baby. Through this schedule, your baby will slowly leave breastfeeding and will start sticking to baby formulas.
10. Comprehend how you feel about the whole process
Do not undermine how you feel. Even though it is your baby who is weaning, your body too will change so whatever you feel, sit with them and comprehend them.
Conclusion
Even though there are no definitive steps that will help in weaning your baby, this guide should do the trick.
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