Weaning.
My son is nine months old and I am not even thinking of weaning him anytime soon, but I’m getting mixed messages because all of those PARENTING emails I get each week are starting to mention weaning so I’m starting to think about when I will do it and how I will do it. I have been breastfeeding since Noah was born and for the most part it has gone well for both of us but it has definitely been drastically reduced as we have introduced regular solid foods.
Many women wean after six weeks or three months if they return to work, some set a goal of six months or a year or two plus years. While I am a champion for breastfeeding mothers I whole-heartedly support all mothers and their choices for whatever works best for them and their families. Pediatricians often recommend that babies who are fed formula switch to whole milk at age one. Also, my own pediatrician said I should start whole milk at age one but that if I wanted to continue breastfeeding I could.
Most recently the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that women nurse for a minimum of one year and into the second year if possible because of the significant health benefits for both mother and baby.
Regardless of when you decide to wean and for whatever reason, consider a few things to make the transition easier on you and baby. Wean over a period of at least a few weeks, choose a calm time so that this is the only major change happening at this time. Make an effort to spend extra time with your baby to make up for lost breast-time. Increase one-on-one time, cuddle, read and be close. Don’t be surprised if you experience some emotional changes from the hormonal shift. Take time to nurture yourself, ask for support from your partner, friends, and family.
SOURCE: PARENTS.Com
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