Very often, it seems to moms that weaning the baby from the breast is a very difficult and psychologically painful process. Probably, also because there was such an opinion that the older the child, the more difficult it will give up. Although in reality, weaning, which coincides with the involution of the breast, is painless, as for the mother and the baby.
Like all other processes in our body, lactation has periods of formation, maturity and involution - the period of the cessation of milk production. The period of formation occurs from one to three months from the birth of the child and the beginning of feeding. At this time colostrum is replaced by ripe milk, a woman is less likely to feel the tenderness of the breast due to filling. In the period of maturity, milk is produced exactly as much as the child can eat, and there is no overflow of the breast. Mature lactation is replaced by the involution of the breast, which occurs 1.5-2.5 years later. During the involution, the composition of milk changes very much. It becomes extremely rich in biologically active substances: antibodies, hormones, immunoglobulins. In this stage, milk is chemically very similar to colostrum. Children who are weaned at this stage are less likely to get sick for a while after breastfeeding.
If you notice that your breasts have significantly decreased, or the baby has started to suck frequently and actively. If a child has already turned eighteen months old, most likely you will have a period of breast involution. The child is sensitive to the changes that occur in your body. At this time, he can give up breast. If this does not happen, then the kid is just not yet ready for this serious stage in his life. Weaning is not a break at all with a child. And just a transition to a new level of communication.
In some cases, even with the joint willingness of mom and baby, with the cessation of lactation it is recommended to still wait a little.
- If on the street the height of the epidemic or someone in your family is seriously ill (ARVI, influenza), then breastfeeding will help protect the baby from infection. Of course, do not neglect other preventive measures. Then the chances of avoiding the disease will increase substantially.
- If an important event is scheduled: moving to a new apartment, entering a kindergarten, or if you go to work, or are you invited to a nanny? These situations are stress for the child. And now, more than ever, the baby will expect from you support, affection and love. Therefore, experts recommend starting excommunication, a little earlier or later than this event.
- In summer, when it's very hot in the street, it's also not worth stopping breastfeeding. In the heat, harmful microorganisms that cause intestinal infections, and acute respiratory infections multiply. A kid deprived of his mother's milk can easily become their victim.
- The baby's teeth are pricked, the diathesis is aggravated, or three weeks have passed since the last illness, then wait until the baby's body gets stronger, and only after that start to act. Leisurely. Gradually and gradually.
All this must be taken into account when changing the method of nutrition, which requires an incredible effort for the child's body to adapt. So, you do not want to make such an important decision without consulting a doctor.
Decision is made? Then you need to bear in mind that, a sharp weaning can lead to digestive disorders in the child, and to stressful conditions.
For how long should we separate the baby from the breast? It depends on how much milk you have and how long you can partially breastfeed. If you need to quickly wean the baby, replace every day one breastfeeding by feeding from a bottle or a spoon.
Sharp weaning (in case of illness or departure for a long time) is a painful process not only for the child, but also for the mother. At this time, you need to reduce fluid intake and consult a doctor. You may need to undergo a course of treatment to stop lactation. After the cessation of lactation, a daily cool shower is needed on the chest and physical exercises that strengthen the muscles of the chest are mandatory. And also the preservation of a good shape of the breast promotes swimming.