Weaning your baby can be a big challenge. It’s a good thing some mums are here to help!
According to the World Health Organization, breastfeeding should last for 12-24 months or for as long as both the mother and the baby want. Choosing when to start weaning is different for every mum, but for all mothers, weaning your child off breast milk can be a daunting task.
From breast to bottle
There’s no arguing that breastmilk is really the best nourishment for babies during their first year. However, there comes a point when the mum decides to end the breastfeeding journey and transition her baby from breast to the bottle, either with expressed milk or baby formula.
Some mothers stop breastfeeding because they need to go back to work, or they have a health condition that prevents them from nursing. Meanwhile, some breastfeeding parents want to incorporate bottle-feeding of their breast milk for flexibility. However, getting the baby to drink milk using a bottle is not as easy as it sounds.
While some mums opt to do it “cold turkey” and just stop breastfeeding abruptly, it can have adverse effects such as breast engorgement or depression. It also won’t be easy for your baby who is used to getting milk directly from you. That’s why it’s best to take it slow and steady so you can gradually transition your child from breast to bottle.
Yes, weaning your baby can be quite a stressful task, but it’s not impossible. Just take inspiration from other mums who were able to successfully transition their babies from latching to drinking from their baby bottles.
We looked around online, and we also asked other mums for some tips that they can share when it comes to weaning their baby, here are a few of them:
Slow and steady
Photo from: reddit.com
Great idea! A gradual transition takes some effort, but it’s good for helping your child ease to bottle feeding.
Dads’ point of views
Meanwhile, one dad on Reddit wanted to help solve the problem by giving an odd suggestion – make sure mum is nowhere near baby when it’s time to feed.
“But while you’re feeding him, have a worn shirt or preferably a bra of hers that has her scent and the scent of milk. Hold it over your shoulder or somewhere he will smell it.
The scent of mom is what got our boy to start eating from the bottle. Then after a few good feedings, he got the idea and I didn’t need to have mom’s dirty laundry slung over my shoulder anymore,” said one dad.
Another dad suggested starting with something other than the bottle – like a pacifier.
“What actually worked for us was to introduce a pacifier, let the kid get all into it, then swap out for the bottle. Worked like a charm,” he said.
Whichever method you choose to wean your child, the key is to always be consistent.
“We stopped for a week and we had to do it all over again,” said one dad. So if you feel like the technique you’re doing is making progress, keep at it!
Tips on weaning your baby from breast to the bottle
Image Source: Unsplash
You also shouldn’t limit yourself to just trying out a single method. Parents use different techniques or methods that they find work the best for them. That’s why you should be open to trying out new things or taking some weaning tips and adapting them to suit you and your baby’s needs.
Here are some things you can also try:
- Waiting until your baby is sufficiently hungry before feeding (check for hunger cues, but this method may include bouts of crying)
- Changing the bottle size and shape, the nipple, or other aspects of the bottle to see if your baby will like it better.
- Changing the temperature of the milk, especially if your baby is teething.
- Holding your baby in a different position to see how they respond.
- Allowing someone else to handle the feeding.
ALSO READ:
6 Essential Things All Mums Should Know Before Starting Weaning
Mothers Should Be Given the Same Support, Whether They Breast or Bottle Feed
Easy Home Remedies for Sore, Cracked Nipples that Makes Breastfeeding Difficult
Relieving pain while weaning your baby
For one reason or another, some mothers experience pain or swelling whenever they start to wean their child. That’s why it’s important to know not only how to wean, but how to take care of yourself during this time.
Here are a few tips that you can follow to ease your weaning woes:
- If you feel pain in your breast because you’re breastfeeding less, you should express some of your milk. You can use a breast pump or express milk by hand if your breasts are starting to hurt because you’re not breastfeeding.
- Don’t bind your breasts to “dry up” your milk supply. Binding your breasts is an outdated practice and it can cause breast abscess, breast infection, or plugged ducts.
- You can use pain relievers such as ibuprofen. If the pain is too much, even after expressing milk, then you can try using pain relievers. Make sure to consult your doctor about it first, especially if you’re still breastfeeding.
- Use cabbage leaves as a cold compress as well as to stop your milk supply. If you feel pain or swelling in your breasts, then you can use cabbage leaves as a cold compress. Scientists still don’t know what exactly happens when you use cabbage leaves, but they’re pretty effective.
- Some herbs can help “dry up” your milk supply. Herbs such as sage, peppermint, and even cabbage leaves can help dry up your milk supply when you’re weaning your child off breastfeeding.
Updates by Camille Eusebio
babycenter.com, mayoclinic.org, justbreastfeeding.com, kellymom.com, Healthline
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