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Confused about when to stop breastfeeding your baby and whether or not your baby is weaning? New mothers undergo a lot of tension when it comes to their newborn babies and they do not want to risk anything. So if you are also a new mother then here are 7 questions answered which have been commonly asked by new mothers about weaning their babies. Read to have your queries answered.
1. How long should you breastfeed your baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends new mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months after their birth. They can continue breastfeeding till their babies are up to 12 months although some new mothers breastfeed their babies till up to the age of 2 years and beyond.
2. What are the advantages of breastfeeding your baby?
Breast milk contains antibodies that protect babies from several illnesses. Breast milk also includes just the right amount of fat, water, sugar, and protein that will help in your baby’s development and growth.
It has been seen that breastfeeding families tend to fall less sick. If you are worried about contamination or the right temperature to breastfeed your baby, then rest assured you can feed your baby breast milk at any time you want.
3. Why you should start weaning your baby?
If you are a working woman then after your baby has reached the age of six months, you should think about weaning your baby. You can start by pumping your milk before you join the office so that your baby can practice bottle feeding your breast milk. You can also start weaning your baby in case you have doubts regarding certain medications which you consume. You can consult your doctor before you take the medications.
In addition to that, if your baby is receiving some kind of medical treatment then you should start thinking about weaning your baby so that the baby can continue eating.
4. When is the right time to wean your baby?
Two situations could lead to the weaning of your baby, either the baby will lead you or you can lead your baby towards weaning. If you notice your baby’s head is upright or the baby can sit without support then you might want to start weaning your baby.
5. How to wean your baby?
The best way to do it is slowly and steadily. If your baby is interested in solid food then they will be repelled away from nursing. Reduce one feeding at a time, instead of feeding your baby seven days a week, start with six days a week. As you reduce your breastfeeding by a day, you will note your baby is slowly becoming less interested in feeding.
6. Why wean your baby slowly?
Weaning your baby slowly and steadily helps your baby adjust to the changes. You do not want your baby to be traumatized or uncomfortable. This is one of the main reasons why lactation experts suggest new mothers are being asked to eliminate one feeding at a time so that the baby understands the change and can act accordingly. If your baby is resisting the feed, then don’t worry it is one of the very common reflexes that babies react.
7. What are the challenges that come with weaning your baby?
You will be disrupting the cycle of your baby so remain calm and be gentle. Accept both you and your baby’s emotions. If you abruptly start weaning your baby then you might experience plugged milk ducts. There are a lot of emotions surrounding the new mother and her baby. So if you are a new mother, then it is okay for you to feel all the emotions that you are currently feeling and you do not require anybody’s validation.
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