Generally, by the time the baby has become a toddler, the mother has thought about weaning the baby several times. Chances are he has even failed to try to do so more than once. In most cases it is not easy to wean a baby from the breast and weaning a toddler is definitely a more difficult process. However, you can wean your toddler by following a few simple steps, with some effort and persistence.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Educate Yourself
Step 1. Begin by learning what to expect during weaning
You'll be better equipped to deal with any obstacles that may arise if you're not surprised by the things that can potentially accompany the weaning process.
Step 2. Learn what your body will face during the weaning process
Natural changes will occur and a good understanding of them will help you to understand them when they occur, as a normal reaction to stopping breastfeeding.
Step 3. Understand that emotional shifts are possible
Hormonal changes will not only appear as physical symptoms, but often affect emotions and moods as well. Expect to deal with a bit of emotional turmoil as your body adjusts to the changes.
Step 4. Know that your baby will also be affected by the weaning process. This can be very difficult for your toddler to handle at the time of weaning
Understand that your baby is going through a forced transition that he doesn't understand.
Step 5. Let your child "play the show."
To avoid a fussy response or your child's outburst, it's best to let them decide when to stop. It may take help to get them out of the habit, but recognize their willingness to quit, if they decide to do it first. You will notice that your breasts are still engorged with milk, after they have "finished" feeding on you.
Method 2 of 6: Wean Slowly
Step 1. Begin weaning slowly and calculated
A slow and gradual discontinuation is better for both the baby and the mother. The sudden cessation of all breastfeeding sessions can be traumatic for both the baby and the mother and can even make the mother more susceptible to getting blocked breast ducts, inflammation or breast infection. Painful mastitis.
Step 2. Gradually reduce breastfeeding sessions over time
If your baby is used to feeding sessions after lunch each day, stop all sessions after lunch for one week. The following week, delete the afternoon session or any other session that exists on a regular basis. Now, two regular feeding sessions have been removed from your baby. Continue cutting back on all feeding sessions until you have effectively weaned your baby completely.
Method 3 of 6: Avoid Triggers
Step 1. Stop the possibility of your baby being able to see the breast directly
Do not put on or undress in front of your baby. Avoid bathing with your baby. If your baby looks at your breast, he or she will remember what was offered and will likely make an effort to return to breastfeeding.
Step 2. Hold your baby in a different way
Refrain from holding your baby in the positions commonly used for breastfeeding. Different positions can be useful for distracting your baby from his urge to suckle.
Step 3. Stay away from environmental triggers
Avoid sitting in the chair you normally use to breastfeed your baby and avoid having your baby in a room that was previously routinely used for breastfeeding. Divert as much of your routine as possible that may trigger your baby from wanting a feeding session.
Method 4 of 6: Use Diversion Tactics
Step 1. Divert your Baby's attention
Baby's attention is easily distracted. Step outside with your baby and go for a walk. Sing a favorite song or try using food as a distraction. Get creative and do whatever it takes to change the focus.
Step 2. Keep your Baby busy
A busy baby will tend to stop thinking about what he can do to be able to breastfeed. As children get older, they will naturally want to avoid naps. They prefer to continue exploring the magnificent world full of wonders around them until they fall asleep or become so fussy that they eventually fall asleep.
Step 3. Find alternative ways to get your baby to sleep
A car ride or a stroll in the train can work well to replace breastfeeding for sleep. Even sleepy moments with dad in the hammock can make the trick work.
Method 5 of 6: Use Substitutes
Step 1. Replace the feeding session with a glass of something that offers a delicacy
Keep in mind that healthy can still taste delicious, so avoid unhealthy substitutes. Remember that your baby receives nutrition and immunity from breast milk and weaning requires additional nutrition to keep your baby healthy.
Step 2. Exchange the breast for a bottle
Often, breastfed babies refuse to drink from a bottle. Offer bottles at times other than nap time. Your baby is used to falling asleep in his mother's arms while sucking on the breast and he will not accept the replacement of mother and breast with a bottle. Instead, offer a bottle when your baby is busy, such as when he goes for a walk in the stroller. This will allow your baby to adjust to the bottle without giving it much thought or expecting mom to cuddle with it.
Step 3. Use solid foods instead of breast milk
A baby with a full stomach will tend to reduce the desire to suckle. Keep meal replacements on the healthy side and refrain from feeding them unhealthy foods.
Step 4. Offer healthy snacks to your baby
A delicious snack is a distraction for your baby and he may easily forget the urge to suckle at that moment, if he sees his favorite food removed from the cupboard.
Method 6 of 6: Beware of Complications
Step 1. Be prepared for discomfort for the mother
Be aware that the breasts can become swollen and painful because the milk is not expelled as often as usual. Reduce the pressure by removing a small amount of milk from the breast. Don't excrete too much, as this will only make your body think it needs to produce more milk. The body needs time to slowly reduce the amount of milk that is considered needed by the baby.
Step 2. Avoid the milk ducts from becoming clogged
Massage your breast in a gentle way to prevent the milk ducts from becoming blocked and forming a painful lump in the breast. Massaging in the shower is generally easier to do and less painful, even if the breasts are swollen.
Step 3. Apply a cold compress to the breast if it hurts
Or try placing some cabbage leaves on the breast. Cabbage leaves help relieve pain and the process of stopping milk.
Step 4. Wear a bra that fits properly
Chances are you'll want to wear a fitted bra, one that doesn't have wires underneath. An ill-fitting bra can cause unnecessary discomfort that hurts the breasts.
Step 5. Avoid feeling guilty about weaning your baby
When your baby begs you to offer the breast, it can leave you feeling heartbroken, selfish and frustrated. Keep in mind that your baby will adjust to his new feeding schedule very soon.
Step 6. Be prepared to feel down with the weaning process every now and then
Breastfeeding is a special bond between baby and mother which is now coming to an end. It is normal to have feelings of sadness associated with this cessation, but these feelings will subside over time.
Warning
- Talk to a professional if feelings of depression get worse during weaning.
- Seek professional help if pain worsens or fever develops during weaning.
