Baby Tantrums and Mother’s Discomfort: How to Wean Your Baby from Breastfeeding

Marking the beginning of a strong bond with your baby, breastfeeding is an experience that new mothers cherish. Every mother has to prepare herself and baby for the weaning process. If you suddenly stop breastfeeding, it may cause breast engorgement where the breasts become painful, overfilled with milk, and postpartum depression. It is essential to follow a gradual process for a smoother coping period for both baby and mother.

Weaning can be either baby-led or mother-led. Letting your baby decide the right time to wean is usually the easiest way to stop breastfeeding. As babies grow more active, they may get distracted or be impatient during nursing which is an indication for weaning.

Mother-led weaning is more difficult and demands a lot of time and patience. You are likely to see some reluctance and frustration from your baby. Practice these five simple methods to ease the transition from breast to bottle for your baby.

Tingle Her Taste Buds

Take the first step by introducing your little one to different flavors and textures of food after a proper session of breastfeeding. This way, your baby will still get her nourishment while you get her to try new foods.

More than Just Milk

The second step is to try and replace breast milk with food at some mealtimes before you breastfeed. Giving your baby heathy supplements such as formula milk or mashed apple is important to wean her off breast milk.

Cut-Down on Nursing Time

Gradually reduce the time period of the breastfeeding session. This helps your baby as well as your body get used to the change by slowly diminishing milk production without causing engorgement or mastitis (swollen mammary glands).

Find a New Language: Love

Your baby may feel that she has lost the warm touch of her mother. Reassure your little one with an extra shower of cuddles and kisses. Sing songs for her, and sleep by her side.

Distract and Divert

Put a few drops of breast milk on the nipple of the feeding bottle to help your baby get used to the change. Start by giving her breastmilk in a bottle when she is extremely hungry and impatient.

The decision to wean maybe difficult, but it’s the next step in supporting baby’s nutritional needs with new and exciting foods that she will come to relish and ask for in the future. Introducing her to new food flavors will be the first step in building new experiences, and before you know it, your baby will be a curious toddler all set to explore the world.