Baby withdrawal is done smoothly, step by step. Here is how to go from exclusive breastfeeding to mixed breastfeeding, then total weaning.
You have chosen D‘breastfeeding your baby from birth ? It is often difficult for mothers (and babies) to go from feed to bottle, then in the long term, to food diversification. But rest assured, weaning is done gradually and gently. If you believe that breastfeeding is not for you or that you are getting back to work after your maternity leave, take enough in advance, about three weeks earlier, and will gradually be your baby.
What is weaning?
Weaning designates the total breastfeeding stop within. It can take place at the time of your choice, even very early, during the first days of the child’s life: in this case, Baby goes to a bottle dietoften more convenient if you have to go back to work. If it is larger (8-10 months), weaning breastfeeding will rather integrate in the context of food diversification …
How to wean baby?
Weaning must always be done gradually ! For what ? On the one hand, because your body needs time to “understand” that it should no longer produce milk: too fast weaning can lead to a painful engorgement of your breasts, or even a mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland). On the other hand, baby must also get used to his change of food … To succeed in weaning breastfeeding, it is therefore recommended to proceed in small successive and regular steps for at least 15 to 30 days. That said, if you wish and if you have enough time, you can very well spread the weaning of breastfeeding over several months.
- Start by replacing the suckle in the evening : that of the late afternoon for example around 6 p.m. because it contains less milk. To let your child get used to it, keep this pace for three or four days. Choose a first age milk (between 0 and 6 months), and ask your pediatrician for the quantities (depending on its weight and age). Indeed, the basic principle is to gradually reduce feeds: “It is better to start by the evening because it is at this point that the prolactin level is at the bottom. It is therefore this feeding that is the most painful and the most tiring for mothers. The last to withdraw is that of the morning, because it is the most important“Explains the pediatrician Marie Thirion, in her book” Breastfeeding “by Albin Michel editions.
- Replace a second feeding. Then and over the same period, introduce a second bottle that will replace the feeding, so as to alternate between the breast and the bottle. You can for example choose to breastfeed at 8 a.m., the bottle at 12 noon, the breast at 3 p.m. and so on for other meals.
- A third bottle during the day. When your baby and yourself you feel ready, introduce a third bottle again instead of the breast during the day. It is nevertheless advisable to keep the feeding in the morning and that of the evening.
- Definitive weaning. At this stage, breastfeeding is said to be partial. You can then choose to keep this pace or gradually replace breastfeeding, then add a bottle in the morning, if you opt for final weaning. As you eliminate feeding during the day, your breasts will be used less and your lactation will gradually decrease.
How to pull your milk?
For the first bottles and to facilitate the transition, you can give a bottle containing your breast milk rather than artificial milk, And pass the pacifier from her bottle to hot water. Also favor a silicone or rubber tip, which is close to the shape and texture of the breast. In addition, remember to pull your milk during the day to avoid engorging.
How to live the weaning of breastfeeding?
If you really want to stop breastfeeding, There is every chance that, mentally, you cross this step quietly. However, the breastfeeding weaning is sometimes experienced as the “loss” of a privileged link with baby: as much to say when morale is not in good shape … This mainly concerns mothers who do not sincerely wish to stop breastfeeding, but who are seen for practical reasons such as resumption of work. If you are in this case, tryapproach weaning from a positive angle : This is not a loss, it is an essential and important step in the life of your baby! Do not hesitate to talk about what you feel to your doctor and/or midwife, who can support and advise you.
Change your habits and involve daddy
Accustomed to being breastfed, your baby will tend to look for your breast, especially if you try to give him a bottle in the same place as usual. Change position or armchair, and if necessary, offer the dad to give it the bottle. Thus, it will not feel your smell and will be less in demand. Meanwhile, do not hesitate to relax, and go out to ventilate your mind. Taking a little time for yourself, as soon as you have the opportunity, is essential not to stress. In addition, this will prevent you from cracking if baby cries, because the breast is often the ease to calm him …
Persevere without forcing it!
Changing baby’s habits is not so easy. So do not panic, if he refuses the bottles the first days, persevere, take your time and do not force it. However, try to present it to him again a few moments later, without losing hope. If necessary, and in case of repetitive refusal, Take a short break before resuming weaning. However, avoid weaning your toddler if other changes are involved (such as a move, a new childcare, a trip …) or you feel stressed. Your baby needs to keep up and feel reassured. Do not hesitate to speak to him, and to communicate with him, explaining to him that from now on, you give him the bottle.
Apply your appetite
“For baby to accept this new diet without problem, he must want to eat. So just waiting for him to be hungry, he claims his meal. If the taste of the pacifier surprises him too much, we can, the first times, hide it by a drop of honey or place a few drops of milk“. Advises Dr. Marie Thirion.
