By Lea Saguisag Jusi


It has been a wonderful way for you to provide your child the best nutrition and to bond with him in a very special way. Now, you’ve decided that it’s time to wean your little one. How do you do it?

WEANING GUIDELINES

Do It Slowly
As much as possible, plan to wean gradually. Expect to do it over several weeks or months. This will allow you and your child to better cope emotionally with the change in your routine. This will also minimize, if not prevent, any physical discomfort for you due to engorgement.

Do It Lovingly
Since you will be withdrawing something from your child that he values highly – the pleasure and comfort of nursing at your breast – be patient with him and understand that it is not easy for your child to willingly give it up. Through words and actions, reassure your child that although your routine together may slowly change, your love for him is constant and always available.

Do It Positively
No child nurses forever. Be it planned or natural, weaning is an inevitable and important part of your child’s development. It is a milestone that ushers in your child’s readiness for more independence and different experiences of pleasure and comfort. Keep these in mind when it gets tough. When you and your child are ready for it, weaning is a good thing.


WEANING HOW-TO’S

There are many ways to go about gradually weaning your child. You can try several strategies one at a time or pick a combination of ways that will be best suited to your family’s situation and to your child’s personality.

• As much as possible, plan to start weaning when your child is not sick and when there are no major adjustments to be made. If your child has a cold, has just started going to a new playgroup, or has a new and still unfamiliar caregiver, he may need to cling onto the comfort of your nursing routine.
• Pick the breastfeeding session that your child seems least interested in and eliminate that first. For most children, this would be during midday or afternoon when they can eat meals and can be more easily preoccupied with playing.
• Wait for several days or up to a few weeks before eliminating the next nursing session.
• If your child is less than a year old, you may want to offer a bottle. Young infants still need to suck, and a bottle is a good alternative for them. Older infants, closer to one year of age, may also choose a cup as an acceptable substitute.
• For an older child, you can offer a wider variety of substitutes to breastfeeding, depending on what your child enjoys. Offer him a snack if he seems hungry. If he is full, offer to do something fun with him. Read a favorite book, play a game, or go outside for a walk. You may find that a favorite fruit or a cuddling game with you is acceptable to your child as a substitute to breastfeeding.
• Find ways to still have close, loving physical contact with your child. Keeping away from him during weaning may make your child feel rejected.
• Stay away from places and things that will remind your child of breastfeeding. If you usually breastfeed at a particular bed or chair, cover it up or keep away from it. If you used to breastfeed with certain music playing or right after a certain TV show, change your music or TV program selection.
• Try to stay moving and up on your feet more often. When you are lying down or simply seated and relaxed, your child may be reminded of breastfeeding.
• If your child enjoys playing with other kids, invite one or two of his friends over or bring him out to play with them. This may work if you suspect your child nurses out of boredom.
• Get the family to help. Ask Daddy to read to him and put him to bed. See if your young child will be happy to play games with his older sister instead of breastfeed.
• If your child is old enough to be reasoned with, try delaying your nursing sessions bit by bit. When he asks to nurse, tell him to please wait for a few minutes and offer a quick snack or activity till then. The delays may distract him altogether.

CHILD-LED OR NATURAL WEANING

If you are happy to breastfeed for as long as your child wants to, then your young one can take the lead in the weaning process. Trust that he will wean himself when he is ready. Just remember when opting for natural weaning – don’t offer; don’t refuse. Your child will take it from there.


(References: How Weaning Happens, Diane Bengson; The Complete Book of Breastfeeding, Marvin S. Eiger, MD & Sally Wendkos Olds)