What is weaning?

Since we became mothers, we have not stopped experiencing new changes, both in our little ones and in ourselves. In this case we are talking about weaning and it is a phase produced by the end of lactation. In this way new foods are introduced and it is something that has to be done step by step and not abruptly.

So, when the time comes, many doubts always arise around a vital phase like this. stop breastfeeding your baby It is a significant change but also one that reminds us that our little one is growing by leaps and bounds. So, everything you wanted to know is here. Are you ready?

What does weaning mean?

Weaning is the process by which you begin to stop breastfeeding to give another food., whether artificial milk, formula or solid foods. Weaning is progressive, so the baby will begin to eat breast milk alternated with other foods and ends when breast milk is completely suppressed.

There are many reasons why a mother chooses to stop breastfeeding and switch to other foods. So that we can say that this process lies in a personal decision. It may be because the mother starts working and she is not at home with the baby to breastfeed or for other very different reasons. Many mothers also start weaning the baby when the baby's first teeth appear, thus avoiding damage to the nipples or areola. So, when the time comes you can decide if you think so.

When it occurs?

We have already mentioned that it has to be done in a progressive manner. From the time the baby is born until almost 6 months, he will need breast milk or formula, as the only food.. Since it will be the one that has all the necessary nutrients for its perfect development. For this reason, once they are 6 months old, it is time to start introducing a solid diet, but still combined with the previous one. For many experts there is no exact date for weaning to begin, what is more, they assure that it should last until the first two years of life. Since in addition to feeding it is a way to calm them down and a remedy for when they are sick. But as we mentioned, the final decision only has the mother.

You have to remember that even though they begin to eat other foods, breast milk continues to be the main part of their diet. Being the main source of nutrients, despite taking more food, these would be a complement. So, the older they get, the better complementary feeding they will have and it will be a good time to stop breastfeeding them. Although you will have the last word!

How is weaning done?

Always little by little and never radically, from one day to the next. Because if we do it abruptly, this can affect our body in the form of congestion or blockage of the ducts. But in our baby it will not be overlooked either because his digestive and immune systems can be damaged. How can I make the process easier?

On the one hand there is what is known as 'natural weaning'. As its name indicates, it appears when the little one stops breastfeeding because the introduction of new foods is more than enough for him or her. But it is not something very common and if it is, we are talking about the age of 4 years when it can happen. So, if you want to stop breastfeeding before that age, we leave you with these tips:

• From time to time you alternate breastfeeding with the occasional bottle feed. It's a way for him to get used to it.
• Remove the noon shot and leave only the night.
• At the usual time of breastfeeding, entertain him with a game. It does not mean that we do not feed him but that we delay the moment and offer him other alternatives in order to space the shots.
• Do not start weaning at times of change for the little one, such as starting in the nursery or when the first teeth begin to appear.
• When he doesn't ask, don't offer him your breast..
• Try hugging or pampering him. Because breastfeeding is not only nourishment but also a moment of protection and care for the baby.

How does it affect the baby?

We have already been commenting on it and it is that weaning can affect the baby a lot. At first anger or frustration will be present. All this is because they do not understand that they are denied something that is vital for them. Hence, we must entertain them in every possible way, with games, with much love and attention. Because for them it is also a bond of emotional union in addition to being their source of food. Hence, it is extremely important that it be done little by little, without setting goals, because each person and each baby needs their time to achieve it.

How long does it take to stop making milk after you stop breastfeeding?

When you are in the process of weaning, it is true that your breasts will continue to produce milk. But you have to know that when demand is high, production will be too. So when said demand drops, the amount of milk will be less. Hence, even so, at first you have to express your milk and little by little it will reduce on its own. But we cannot set an exact time either, since it will depend on the woman. That's why you can sometimes see stains on your underwear after a while after you've stopped breastfeeding your baby. Although it is most likely that these droplets appear when pressing on the chest and not by themselves. Many women have been producing milk for several months after weaning. So, you must be patient!