12 tips on weaning for a healthy and smooth transition

Motherhood is a field full of news, especially for first-time moms, so getting informed is the best way to deal with the doubts that arise throughout the process. In this sense, gynecologist and obstetrician Patrícia Germanovix do Carmo (CRM PR 21605 | RQE 16603) clarified the main questions about weaning, an important phase of your baby’s development. Check out!

What is and when to wean

“Weaning means interrupting exclusive breastfeeding”, points out the doctor. She also says that there is no magic formula on how to wean. It can happen for health reasons for the mother or baby and often because it’s time to eat. That’s right! As important as breast milk is, there comes a time when it will no longer be the basis of the child’s diet and she will have to eat like the other individuals in the family, eating the same as everyone else.

signs of weaning

Weaning can occur for different reasons and at different stages of the baby’s life. Below, you can see some indications from the gynecologist and obstetrician of times when weaning may be necessary. Look that:

• In some cases, it just happens naturally;
• Other times, the need comes from something related to the baby’s health, such as allergies;
• But weaning can also be related to the mother, with health issues or even logistics, such as she needs to go back to work. “The important thing is for the woman to get rid of the feeling of guilt: her baby will survive!”, says Patrícia.

how to wean

Although there is no infallible technique for weaning to work, some tips can be considered at this time, in addition to the follow-up of your doctor or doctor.

gradual weaning

Weaning can be gradual, “exchanging feedings for food, reducing the supply of the mother’s breast during the day mainly”, points out the gynecologist and obstetrician. She also says that some mothers prefer to keep breastfeeding longer, but this is not a rule. In general, mothers tend to feel more comfortable in this form of weaning, as they understand that this time is coming. In certain circumstances, she doesn’t even need to take medication to dry up the milk, as her production naturally decreases.

abrupt weaning

When necessary, abrupt weaning can occur. Thus, completely replacing breastfeeding with a bottle and/or food depending on the age of the child. In these cases, in most cases, additional measures are necessary to stop milk production, such as specific medications, bandaging the breasts, cold compresses and avoiding as much as possible milking the breasts to empty (as this stimulates production and perpetuates the process) .

Regardless of the form of weaning you choose or the reasons necessary for it to happen, this is a natural process in the relationship between mother and child and will pass like so many other phases!

12 questions about weaning

1. Is there a right time for weaning?

Patricia comments that the ideal is to breastfeed exclusively until the sixth month and partially until the age of 2 years, according to the recommendations of the WHO (world health organization) and pediatric societies throughout the world. However, as mentioned before, there is no magic formula or right and wrong in this context.

2. What happens to the body after weaning?

The doctor indicates that “when the breasts stop producing, the body soon returns to its usual physiology, restoring ovulation and menstrual cycles”. But this is a process and the time until the body “returns to normal” varies from person to person.

3. How to relieve weaning pain?

The body takes a while to adapt to the new reality. Therefore, if the pain is intense in this process, look for your doctor or doctor for you to find a solution that meets your reality and that of your baby.

4. What is abrupt weaning?

Abrupt weaning is stopping exclusive breastfeeding completely and suddenly. If this is your case, pay attention to the nutritional quality of your baby’s new diet and seek help from psychologists if you are experiencing great emotional distress as a result of this need.

5. What about night weaning?

Night weaning is about decreasing or stopping breastfeeding during the night/early morning. For this, the baby’s diet must be balanced and, thus, the need to breastfeed throughout the night will be less and less frequent.

6. How to do late weaning?

The gynecologist and obstetrician says that there is no age limit for breastfeeding. “But remember that teaching your baby to be independent is one of her great missions as a mother. A valuable tip: don’t feel pity or guilt! This is natural and it will pass,” she adds.

7. How do you know if the baby is ready to wean?

In cases of gradual weaning, evidence is more spaced feedings and an established food introduction. But remember: whenever you have questions, talk to a trusted professional!

8. Will my baby be malnourished after weaning?

Not. According to Patricia, weaning is a natural process and is part of motherhood. From there, the baby will have access to other foods and milk does not need to be completely offered. The important thing is to be aware of this new reality, but without fear, after all, weaning is necessary.

9. What to do when I can’t stop milk production?

“In cases of abrupt weaning or when it happens in stages when the baby still sucks a lot, it is necessary to take medication to dry the milk”, points out the gynecologist and obstetrician. But, Patricia adds that other precautions should be taken, such as not emptying the breast and compressing it with a tight-fitting top or even resorting to a cold compress. If you milk it, it will produce again.

10. Am I at risk of losing the bond with the baby?

Even if necessary, weaning can cause insecurities. But don’t worry! You just need to keep dedicating moments to your child, showing yourself present and carrying out exchanges of affection and affection!

11. How to start food introduction?

There are different methods of introducing food. This choice should be made according to your needs and that of the baby, checking what is important to you. Of course, the opinion of a specialist doctor is indispensable at this point.

12. How can I go through this phase smoothly?

The gynecologist and obstetrician reinforces that it is necessary to be aware that weaning is necessary and only a phase. Don’t blame yourself, you’re doing your best. Worrying about this says a lot about the importance of motherhood for you. Try to take everything naturally, after all, no one better than you and your baby to decide the best way to handle things.

Mom, respect your individuality! And now that you’ve checked out the main information about weaning, how about getting to know a little about the BWL food introduction method?