✓ Weaning, advice for the day and for the night

Source: Shutterstock

Weaning a baby usually begins around the sixth month. There is a particular period, therefore, in which the baby is weaned and nursed at the same time. How to behave and how to gradually reduce breast milk? It is possible, to help him get used to weaning, to alternate the two important actions.

And it is possible, in particular, to implement some "changes" during the day and others, however, during the evening.

Here are tips and tricks from Illi.org magazine.

Daytime strategies to promote weaning

Here are some strategies for weaning your baby that work best during the day.

Feed the baby when he asks for milk and do not offer it when he does not ask. This simple technique, known as 'don't offer, don't refuse', can help speed up the weaning process when integrated with other methods.
Change your daily routine. Instead of going home after picking up the child from kindergarten, go to the supermarket or elsewhere. Try to avoid the "nursing chair" in your home as much as possible during the times when it is usually asked to breastfeed. Get up as high as possible!
If possible, get help from other family members and family members. If you usually breastfeed when you wake up, try getting up earlier than he does and ask your partner or someone else to do the whole morning routine.
Advance breastfeeding sessions and offer "substitutions" and "distractions" throughout the rest of the day. Try giving him a snack or a drink at that time. Take him to his favorite place during the usual breastfeeding period. Find other distractions: reading, visiting friends, a new toy, walking, singing, etc.
Reduce the duration of breastfeeding or see if you accept a delayed breastfeeding. Tell him he will finish breastfeeding when you finish singing a certain song. Counting to 20 can also help with the transition. If you still don't understand the concept of waiting or time, this may not be helpful.

Read also: Weaning children: when, how to start, methods

"Nocturnal" tips to encourage weaning

The habit of combining breastfeeding and nighttime sleep can be more difficult for the baby to let go. Here are some tips regarding evening / night habits to promote weaning.

If your baby is sleeping with you, you may want to consider moving him to his bed or with an older sibling. However, if the baby has resistance to change, it may require more breastfeeding to preserve his feeling of closeness with you.
Allow another family member to help and manage your sleep routine.
Offer the child a glass of water or a snack if he seems hungry or thirsty.
Offer cuddles, hugs and music to replace nighttime breastfeeding or to promote nap.
If you decide to focus on night weaning, establish a bedtime routine that is not focused on breastfeeding. A good book or two will eventually become more important than a long breast session. The baby may agree to rest his head on your breast instead of breastfeeding.
Also, talk to your child about what's going on in advance if you can, as it may understand more than you expect.

Read also: Weaning, the 15 things to know

How to tell if a baby is not ready for weaning

If weaning is progressing too fast for the baby, usually the little one will make it manifest through his behavior. The tantrums will increase, as will other "regressive behaviors", including anxiety, nocturnal awakening, fear of separation. These are all possible signs that weaning is happening too fast for your baby. Illness and teething can also interfere with weaning, so you may need to take a break.

The child it may be old enough for you to explain that you think it's time to wean. Many babies can understand the concept of "stop breastfeeding".

Some mothers let the baby choose an appointment, which is a specific day, and they call it "weaning day", after which she will no longer breastfeed. Other mothers organize a "weaning party" for the baby with a supportive family and understanding friends. Perhaps the baby will also receive a special "weaning gift".

Obviously these techniques don't work if the baby is extremely resistant to weaning, but many mothers are known to have used them successfully. Remember that the little one will have an ongoing need for closeness with you. You can anticipate your child's need for intimacy and spend a "special time" with them.

Weaning can be a difficult time for both mother and baby. Mom may often have many negative feelings, including sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. Comparison with other mothers or, if problems persist, with a specialist is advisable.

Read also: Breastfeeding, 10 rules to breastfeed well and for a long time

TAG: