Breastfeeding has been proven to have many health benefits for babies. However, in some cases, women are unable or unwilling to continue breastfeeding. Slowly watch for cues that your baby is ready for this step. Some women may experience physical discomfort if they stop breastfeeding until their breasts have adapted and stopped producing milk.
Many mothers who are ready to wean their baby or to reduce the frequency of breastfeeding may wonder how to make the process easier. Whether you’re a toddler or a 3 year old, you’ve put a lot of thought into this decision. You need to stop breastfeeding as simply and accurately as possible. There’s no exact formula for determining how long it takes breast milk to dry, but following the tips and home remedies below can make this process easier.
Here are some home remedies to help you stop breastfeeding.
Setting Limits on Nursing:
Infants don’t understand why they stopped breastfeeding, but 18-month-olds do, at least to some extent. Instead of keeping the milk bar open all the time, feeding should be restricted to specific chairs or specific times.
It is normal for older children to express anger and sadness at the loss of what has been their primary source of comfort and nutrition throughout their lives. It may be easier for your baby to take the bottle. Or, if you’re used to breastfeeding before bed, you’ll want someone else to put you to bed.
Know when to stop:
You don’t have to stop breastfeeding if you’re not ready. Also, if your baby is getting enough breast milk, don’t continue breastfeeding. recommends that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. You can give your baby solid food from around 6 months of age. Breastfeeding can then continue for a year or as long as the mother and baby want to continue.
Infants one year and older use breast milk as a source of comfort and as a food supplement to support their immune system. In some cases, as a result of social pressure, mothers stop breastfeeding for fear that their baby will not get enough milk. breast engorgement, or pain. Women who want to continue breastfeeding but are concerned about these issues should consult their doctor.
Wearing a Support Bra:
This bra does not compress or cut your breasts.
Change position:
A breastfed baby automatically starts rooting and searching for your breast when you hold him in the feeding position and smell your milk. When switching to bottle feeding, you need to hold your baby in different positions for feeding. You can initially place your head on your knees with your head facing you, or you can hold it in a more upright position. The bottle should not be propped up, as the baby still needs the intimacy gained during breastfeeding. Give your baby a lot of cuddles after feeding him.
Ensure adequate nutrition:
Women weaning infants under one year of age should replace breast milk with infant formula or donor breast milk. Babies older than 6 months require formula or donor breast milk, but can transition to age-appropriate solid foods. Children under the age of 1 should not be given soy milk, cow’s milk, or other similar products. Babies who eat solids need iron, protein, and other nutrients.
If you are concerned, you can consult your pediatrician about proper nutrient balance and ideal daily calorie intake. Some babies may need multivitamins and other supplements, especially if they are vitamin D or iron deficient.
Night weaning:
Most babies feed less frequently at night between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. This process is known as night weaning and helps the mother get the rest she needs. It means you can sustain childcare longer.
Try another nipple:
Note that all bottle systems have slightly different nipples. Babies have preferences when it comes to pacifiers, so not all nipples do. Some babies do better with completely different shaped nipples, while others do better with nipples that mimic the shape of the breast. Until you know which shape your baby prefers, you should start by buying one or two different bottles instead of the whole set.
Eliminate stressors.
Some babies are weaned easily, others are against it. If you’re planning a difficult transition, this can help make the weaning process easier. Women can choose a time when there are no other significant stressors, such as pending vacations or work deadlines. If possible, spend more time with your baby.
This is helpful as babies can become anxious and clingy during the weaning period. Parents should know that the weaning process can take several weeks. If your baby needs to be weaned by a certain date, it’s a good idea to start the process early.
Dry milk:
If you have established an adequate supply of milk, it is not easy to turn off the tap immediately. If you have time, stopping once-a-day feedings can reduce your milk supply. Breastfeeding is a natural supply and demand system. However, if you need to stop breastfeeding immediately, you should expect some discomfort. Apply an ice pack to the sore chest and express as much milk as needed to relieve discomfort.
Do not use binders as they can clog the ducts. You can wear a good support bra instead. Cabbage leaves are also useful and can be applied directly to the breast.
use the pump.
Breastfeeding works according to supply and demand. When a woman expresses regularly or her baby drinks more milk, her body produces more milk. As the baby eats less, the woman’s milk supply gradually dwindles.
Introducing food:
Start slowly until food becomes your main source of nutrition. A baby’s digestive system is still developing. Babies require either breast milk or formula until about 12 months of age. When your baby is four months old, you should start with baby her cereal and progress to table foods. If you are breastfeeding your baby all the time, express your milk and mix it into a single grain of baby cereal when you feed your baby.
This makes the food more appetizing and easier for your baby to chew. Feed your baby around the age of 6 months. You can introduce meat, vegetables and pureed fruit between 4 and 8 months of age. When your baby is 9-12 months old, you can give him unstrained finger foods such as minced meat, teething biscuits and rice.
Comfort your baby:
It should be borne in mind that babies may have trouble adjusting to the changes. The baby not only loses the mother’s breast, but also loses comfortable time with the baby. You need to find other ways to comfort and reassure your baby without breastfeeding. You should spend more one-on-one time with your baby.
Anything that distracts your attention should be avoided, such as communications, phone apps, television, and reading. You should add Cuddles to your Dailies so you don’t forget to cuddle. This way you can set a specific time frame for ignoring calls.
Be patient with your baby:
Babies are reacting to change and can be noisy and irritable during the weaning process. However, you need to remember that this period will pass and your baby will move on to another chapter in your life without you knowing it.Be patient while both you and your baby make this important transition. Waiting is very important. Playing with your baby is the most important way to learn, experiment and communicate, so you should play with your baby.
References:
- 10 ways to stop breast milk production. https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/how-to-stop-breastmilk-best-tips/Published March 22, 2018
- How to stop breastfeeding painlessly. https://www.wikihow.mom/Stop-Breastfeeding-Without-Pain. Published September 7, 2020
- How to wean or stop breastfeeding your baby. https://beautyhealthtips.in/best-ways-to-stop-breastfeeding-for-your-baby/Published January 19, 2018
- How to stop breastfeeding. http://www.activehomeremedy.com/2016/04/how-to-stop-breastfeeding.html . Published April 16, 2016
