All breastfeeding mothers and babies end their nursing relationship at some point.Sometimes it is necessary to stop breastfeeding quickly due to a lifestyle change or medical condition, in order to give the mother and baby a chance to become accustomed to the changes that take place.There is no need to be discouraged for caregivers who find themselves in this situation.It is more difficult to wean a baby abruptly, but there are ways to do it.
Step 1: The appropriate food for a baby should be decided.
Ensuring that your baby has an adequate diet without breast milk depends on their age.A baby under the age of one will need to transition to formula for the majority of their calories.Babies under the age of one need about fifty calories per pound of body weight every day, and because they cannot digest cow's milk, they will need to get this nutrition from a commercial infant formula.Babies older than six months can begin experimenting with solid foods, but remember that food before one is for fun.Solid foods before the age of one do not provide many calories and are not enough to meet your baby's needs.If your baby is good at eating solid food and has a varied diet, you can transition them to whole cow's milk after the age of one.A toddler between the ages of one and two needs about 1,000 calories a day spread between three small meals and 2 small snacks.Half of the calories should come from fat.Half of it comes from meat, eggs, tofu, fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
Step 2: Transition foods are good to stock up on.
Your baby needs something immediately to replace breast milk, because they eat every few hours.Having a variety of options for your baby might help ease the transition if you must stop breastfeeding immediately.If your child is under one and has not had formula, you should consider purchasing several varieties of formula and baby food.It is important to remember that formula acceptance can be trial and error for babies who have not had it before.Each type has a slightly different taste, and some can be more gentle on the baby's stomach than others, or have a more pleasant flavor, so your baby may tolerate one better than the other.Purchase whole cow's milk if your baby is older.If your child has an allergy to cow's milk or is sensitive to it, you will need a milk substitute that is rich in fat and calcium.Discuss with your doctor if you should try goat's milk or full-fat soy milk with added calcium, both of which are available at most grocery stores.
Step 3: Help recruit support.
A child may be hesitant to accept a bottle or sippy cup from their mother because they associate her with nursing.It helps if other trusted adults can offer bottles or food.Ask the baby's father or another trusted adult if he knows how to offer bottles or sippy cups.Many babies refuse a bottle from their mother, but will accept one from someone else since they don't think of the other person as a nurse.Ask the baby's father or other adult to take care of night time feedings for a few nights if the child is used to eating during the day.During this time period, having a friend, parent, or grandparent stay with you can be helpful.Sometimes it's helpful to leave the room or run an errand to give the baby a break, as your baby may become frustrated by your presence.
Step 4: The baby needs enough nutrition.
Young babies who have not yet learned to drink from a bottle or sippy cup are vulnerable to malnutrition during the transition period.The level on the side of the bottle or sippy cup is an indicator of how much the baby is taking in.If the baby can't suck or figure out how to drink from a bottle, you will need to try a medicine dropper or cup feeding.Cup feeding can be difficult with small infants.
Step 5: The transition can be explained in age-appropriate language.
Older babies and toddlers tend to understand words before they can speak and may be able to comprehend simple explanations of weaning, even if they are very young.When the baby reaches for the breast, say that the mother doesn't have any milk.Take the baby immediately for a bottle or sippy cup after you get some milk.Be persistent in your explanations.Don't offer to suckle the baby if you do not have milk.This will prolong the process and confuse the baby.When older toddlers ask to nurse, they can benefit from redirecting.I don't have any milk anymore.Daddy has some milk."Go ask Daddy for milk" is a good distraction for a mobile toddler, who can then go find Daddy and request a sippy cup of milk.A different type of distraction might be needed by toddlers who nurse for comfort rather than because they are hungry.Take them outside or find a toy they haven't played with in a while to distract them.
Step 6: Be patient with the baby.
Babies and toddlers may not behave like themselves for several days during weaning, which is an emotionally and physically challenging time.Breastfeeding provided more than just nutrition to a baby, it also provided one-on-one cuddling several times a day.A young child's emotional and social development and feelings of safety and belonging are dependent on the baby receiving extra cuddles and attention during the transition.They will feel secure if they know that breastfeeding does not mean a lack of affection or security.If the baby is used to nursing before sleeping, there is a chance of interrupted sleep.Be patient but persistent.If your baby is clingy, take a break.Take a shower, or go out for a coffee if you want to stay with your baby.If you feel overwhelmed, put the baby in a crib and close the door.Relax and take a few minutes to breathe.It's always a good idea to take a break.
Step 7: Prepare for a long process.
Drying up a full supply of milk can take a long time, with about a week before you are comfortable again and up to a year before your breasts completely stop producing milk.Similar to the beginning of nursing when your milk first came in, the process can be painful.It might be a good idea to take some pain killers.
Step 8: A snug-fitting bra is what you should wear.
Slow milk production can be helped by a high-impact sports bra, but be careful that it isn't too tight.Milk ducts can be painful if a bra is too tight.You would wear a bra for sports.Underwire bras can lead to plugged ducts.
Step 9: Take a shower with your back to the water.
Keep the water temperature warm and avoid letting it beat on your breasts.Milk production can be stimulated by the warmth of water.Ice packs can be used for pain.
Step 10: Milk should only be sent as needed.
Sometimes the only way to relieve the pain of engorgement is to express milk with a pump.Wait as long as possible and squeeze out as much as you can to relieve the pressure.If that doesn't work, try squeezing your breast with your full hand.
Step 11: There is no evidence that medication or supplements will help dry your milk.
Any medication, supplement, or herb can be used to dry the milk supply.There is no scientific proof to support the anecdotal evidence that a sputum helps during menstruation.It's unlikely that this will cause your milk supply to dry any faster, so if you want to try it, talk to your doctor.Many women rely on herbs like lavender and jasmine to aid in drying up their milk supplies.Remember that there is no proof that these options will have any effect, so be sure to talk to your doctor about them.
Step 12: Expect your breasts to be filled with milk.
You will be uncomfortable when they become heavy and sore.The feeling of engorgement can be very painful and can last for two to three days.If you develop a temperature greater than 100.4F (37C) or if your breasts become warm to the touch, contact your doctor immediately.When nursing stops abruptly due to engorgement, you may experience a plugged milk duct.A plugged duct is tender to the touch and feels like a hard knot in the breast.Warm compress and gentle massage should be used to treatlugged ducts.If it doesn't improve in a day, see your doctor.
Step 13: It will take several weeks for your breasts to leak.
After missing a few feedings and your breasts become engorged, it's a good idea to leak.It is possible that the sound of your baby crying will cause your breasts to leak.This won't last more than a few days.Purchase nursing pads at the store.
Step 14: When nursing stops, weight gain is likely.
If you don't cut back on your calories, you will gain weight when you wean your baby.It's best to reduce calories gradually rather than going on a drastic diet right away because it can be hard on your body.If you want to burn off the calories you took while you nursed, you need to increase your activity level.
Step 15: Change in hormones can affect your mood.
It may take a long time for the body to return to its pre-pregnancy state and your hormones may be out of balance.Feelings similar to baby blues are common for some women.This can include feelings of sadness and depression.Depression can be caused by these feelings.If you don't feel right, contact your doctor.
Step 16: If you need help, get it.
You may need someone to talk to because weaning can be difficult.Discuss the process with a friend or consultant.Hearing that your experience is normal can be reassuring.Contact the La Leche League International for additional assistance.Their website is easy to understand and can be an excellent resource for mothers trying to wean.If at any time you feel helpless or helpless, or if guilt or anxiety becomes overwhelming, you should call the police or schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss options to manage your anxiety.