There are many reasons why parents wean their babies at night. Sometimes the mother has to stop breastfeeding for medical reasons, or maybe to get the baby used to sleeping through the night. Whatever the reason, weaning a baby at night will gradually be difficult for both mother and baby. You have to be patient and remember that for babies, breastfeeding is not only a source of nutrition, but also a source of comfort.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Changing the Daytime Routine
Step 1. Do your research and seek advice from others
Most women start weaning around the age of 6 months, but some women start weaning earlier or later for a variety of reasons. Start by reading parenting books, talking to your doctor, searching the internet, and talking about weaning your baby at night with friends and family. No baby is the same, and there are many methods to stop breastfeeding at night. You will get an idea of what will happen.
Remember that you should also pay attention to your baby's cues to find the best way to wean at night. For example, if you usually wake your baby up for feedings, skip this habit
Step 2. Feed the baby more during the day
So that your baby can be weaned at night without sacrificing the nutrients he needs, feed more during the day. If you normally breastfeed every three hours, try changing it to every two hours. So, the baby will be fuller and less hungry at night.
However, remember that your baby may not want to breastfeed if he is not hungry. So you may find yourself more frustrated trying to breastfeed during the day
Step 3. Minimize interruptions to breastfeeding during the day
There are babies who often suckle at night because they feel disturbed if they feed during the day so they don't get enough milk. Studies show that babies older than 6 months meet 25% of daily milk intake at night because they are interrupted during feeding during the day. Some tips for minimizing distractions are:
- Breastfeed in a quiet, dark room with the door closed and the curtains lowered completely.
- If you have older children or pets, make sure they are not in the room while you are breastfeeding.
- Breastfeed while lying down because this position is more relaxing for both you and the baby.
- Breastfeeding in silence or talking in a quiet voice is soothing.
Step 4. Watch for signs from the baby
To help increase milk intake during the day, you need to watch for signs that he is hungry. Many experts say that when a baby pulls his mouth from the breast for the first time, it is not an indication that he is done. Try bringing his mouth to the tip of your breast a few more times to see if he's really full, don't just assume.
Step 5. Start introducing solid foods
Mothers are encouraged to introduce solid foods when the baby is 6 months old, meaning that at this time the weaning process usually begins. Start replacing one feeding session with bottled or solid foods, depending on the baby's age. Some babies receive food well before bed, such as bottled cereal, but some don't. See how the baby reacts to the food before he sleeps, if it works, you can move on.
Step 6. Increase feeding frequency a few hours before bedtime
As the evening progresses, "fill" the baby's tummy by feeding it every 1 to 2 hours. This will fill the baby's tummy with milk and nutrients, and a full tummy usually makes him sleepy. It is also recommended that you breastfeed your baby with only one breast so that he gets breast milk with a higher fat content, and that will keep him full longer.
Part 2 of 3: Weaning at Night
Step 1. Start getting your baby ready for bed early
This may seem counterintuitive, but many babies have trouble sleeping if they are tired. Look for signs he is sleepy, and start preparing him for bed early. Wear comfortable clothes so he doesn't feel too hot or cold, and replace his diaper with a special night diaper. Make sure you set the atmosphere to relax and calm. Some signs of a sleepy baby are:
- Typical loss of coordination
- Evaporate
- Rubbing eyes or nose
- Pulling ears or hair
- Fussy or whining
Step 2. Feed the baby one more time before you go to sleep
Just before you go to bed, feed your baby one more time even if he is sleepy so this is sometimes called "dream feeding". This can be done in the hours between preparing the baby for bed and when he is very sleepy and has been laid down. Feeding your baby one more time in a hand or sling will fill his tummy and help increase your sleep time before he wakes up again.
Step 3. Familiarize your baby with another comfort at night
If you've introduced solid foods, your baby usually doesn't need to feed, he just wants to. Babies want to be cuddled and rocked to sleep more than they want to suckle. So, try using other forms of comfort besides breastfeeding:
- Involve your husband in your bedtime routine. Ask your husband to lay the baby on the bed so that the baby associates sleep and comfort with someone other than you.
- Give a little water in a bottle for the baby to drink.
- Give the baby a pacifier head, or pacifier. The sucking motion is very soothing to the baby even if he is not getting milk.
- Provide something comfortable nearby, such as a teddy bear.
Step 4. Restrict access to your breasts
When she wakes up in the middle of the night and wants comfort, you should cover her breasts with clothes. Wear clothes that make it difficult for your baby to access the breast while you soothe him to sleep. If the baby can't find the nipple quickly, he will usually fall back asleep.
Step 5. Try alternative sleep arrangements
Sometimes the sleep distance between mother and baby can affect the pattern of waking at night. If your baby still won't let go of your breast milk, even though you've tried various techniques, try different sleeping arrangements until you find what works best.
Sleeping with babies is strongly discouraged by many pediatricians so you should avoid this option. However, you can try moving the crib into your room for a few nights to see if that helps you wean
Step 6. Be patient
You have to remember that sleeping through the night is a developmental point that your baby will reach at different times. Weaning a baby at night will take time and many patience. Continue the day and night routine as much as possible and eventually you will surely see results.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Yourself
Step 1. Know that you will feel a variety of emotions when weaning your baby at night
There's a chapter you're closing between you and your baby, and it's probably going to be a bit of a misery on its own. Seeing your baby nervous about not being weaned overnight can also make you feel guilty for causing him some kind of suffering. You may feel frustrated, angry, and sad during this change.
Step 2. Massage the breast if it feels uncomfortable
When you start to reduce the frequency of breastfeeding, it is likely that your breasts will feel uncomfortable. If this happens, gently massage the entire breast area in slow, circular motions. If you see or feel a lump or any area that is very painful, there may be a blockage in your milk duct and you should call your doctor.
Step 3. Pump excess milk
If at night your breasts are swollen or milk is leaking out, try pumping some breast milk that your baby won't eat that night. Make sure you pump just enough to prevent discomfort. Too much pumping will trigger the body to produce more milk.
Step 4. Choose comfortable clothes
Sleep in a well-fitting bra to reduce any discomfort that may arise at night. Don't sleep with an underwire bra, but also make sure the bra you wear is snug enough to support your breasts. If the problem is milk leaking, tuck the nursing foam inside the bra so that the milk can be absorbed.
Step 5. Go to sleep when you have the chance
Weaning your baby at night will not only get your baby to sleep through the night, but it will also help you sleep longer. This is equally important because several studies indicate an association between poor sleep and postpartum depression. To get the most out of you and your baby's sleep, make sure you sleep as soon as you put your baby in the crib. And enjoy longer sleep.
Warning
- Call your doctor if your breast that has a blocked milk duct becomes red or feels warm because it could be an infection. Breast infection, mastitis, must be treated properly because if it is ignored it will cause severe pain, difficulty in breastfeeding, and other complications.
- While it's normal to feel sad or lost after weaning your baby at night, talk to a professional if these feelings turn into depression or last for more than a week. Let your doctor determine if you need further attention for depression.
