It is difficult to make a decision regarding when and how to stop breastfeeding your toddler. This process, called weaning, can be an extremely difficult and traumatic process for both toddler and mother. However, there may be many reasons why you want to stop breastfeeding your toddler and there are some simple ways to do it without causing much disruption in your child’s life. The time to stop breastfeeding a toddler may vary from one toddler to the next, but the mother should exercise personal judgment in this regard. When you stop your toddler from breastfeeding, it affects both your body as well as your child’s.
This is because breastfeeding offers a great supply of nutrition for your toddler which is difficult to replace. Many pediatricians advise that the best time to stop breastfeeding your toddler is when he/she is a year old. Once you have made a decision to stop breastfeeding your toddler, take care to remember the following things.
Firstly, ensure that the process of weaning is a slow and gradual one so that your toddler does not feel rejected. One of the easiest ways to do this is by reducing the time allotted for breastfeeding. If you stop breastfeeding your toddler sooner than he/she remembers, you can phase it out completely over time without any fuss. You can also try putting your breastfeeding toddler on a solid diet as soon as he/she is old enough to help stop breastfeeding. Once your toddler starts eating solids, he/she may naturally stop breastfeeding. Once you have started the weaning process, ensure that you don’t dress and undress in front of your toddler. This will ensure that he/she does not see your breasts often and this may help gradually stop breastfeeding.
Mothers also tend to face problems physically while breastfeeding and these can be overcome with some simple home remedies. If your breast become swollen and starts to hurt, applying a cold compress may help relieve the pain. Placing a few cabbage leaves on your breast or inside your bra may help release excess milk once you have stopped breastfeeding and provide immediate relief. Watch your toddler carefully for any signs of allergy or indigestion when he/she makes the switch to solid food. When a toddler stops breastfeeding, an essential component of nutrition in his/her diet needs to be compensated. Therefore, ensure that your toddler is on a healthy and nutritious diet, especially once he/she stops breastfeeding.
Read more articles from the Breastfeeding Category.
7 Must-Haves Before Your Baby Arrives
Bonding Games for Babies
DIY Baby Bath Towel Apron
Common Late Pregnancy Fears