It's an eternal debate and all young breastfeeding mothers ask themselves the question: How long does it take to breastfeed? And most importantly: when and how to start weaning ?
For starters, it's important to note that breastfeeding is a personal choice that depends on how well you and your baby are breastfeeding. And many parameters intervene in stopping. For working women, the return to work is often decisive for the choice of weaning time.
Alongside this decision, keep in mind what the main health authorities are advocating regarding the duration of breastfeeding and weaning:
> The World Health Organization (WHO) advises breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months and gradually adding porridge, puree, etc. between 6 and 24 months, while maintaining frequent feedings.
> The Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) supports these recommendations by acknowledging that "the pursuit of exclusive breastfeeding for six months allows optimal development of infants and should therefore be encouraged." And, "after the age of 6 months, associated with dietary diversification, breastfeeding is only beneficial for infants."
How is weaning done?
When you wean baby, plan as much as possible a sufficient weaning time, about a small month. Wait for the right moment for both of you and do not start this new stage when a tooth breaks, a move ...
The weaning is done gradually, gradually shifting the catches to bring them slowly to the desired times.
Start by replacing a feeding with a bottle - that of mid-day for example. Then you can give a baby bottle once in two between two feedings. Finally, you can keep only the morning and evening feeds, and thus practice a partial weaning compatible with the resumption of your work.
To permanently stop breastfeeding, first replace the feeding in the evening, then the very last one, the morning one.
At each of these stages, do not force your baby to drink. If he refuses the bottle, wait a few minutes before offering him again. And if he really does not want it, repeat the operation a few days later. Sometimes the dad or a third person will help him to distinguish the breast of the bottle.
Moreover, it often happens that the child who discovers the rubber nipple quickly prefers the bottle, which can accelerate weaning. Other babies will refuse the pacifier, unaccustomed to contact with the rubber; as mentioned before: you have to try several times and ... be patient
To read our files:
> Mixed breastfeeding
> Successful food diversification!
> Treat the baby's red buttocks
> So that breastfeeding goes well!
