Deciding When to Wean Your Baby

Once mother and baby get past the initial stages of breastfeeding, which can be tricky and uncomfortable, the act becomes so easy and natural that giving it up might seem unappealing. Breastfeeding is quick and easy, while bottles and, later, solid food come with learning curves and many unique difficulties. Yet weaning has to happen sooner or later. When exactly it should happen is up to each family, though, and it is a major decision that warrants careful consideration. Many things enter into the decision of when to wean, but what should be kept at the forefront is what the experts say. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of the baby’s life and some breastfeeding for at least a year. But of course, not everyone can put these recommendations into action. Some mothers can exclusively breastfeed for only a few months, and supplementing with formula might become an imperative very early. With the experts’ recommendations aside, let us look at some of the other factors to consider when thinking about weaning your child off breast milk. How do you feel emotionally?   New mothers might feel a range of emotions toward the habit of breastfeeding. Some come to enjoy it and think of it as an important time to bond with the child. Others view it as more of a hassle, sometimes uncomfortable and often too inflexible. Plus, some women simply feel uncomfortable breastfeeding their children once they get bigger than a certain size. There is nothing wrong with any of these feelings. Every woman is different. How do you feel physically? Also consider how breastfeeding has made you feel. Over months, you might get used to the physical rhythms that go along with breastfeeding, but that does not necessarily make it comfortable. Then, in the second half of your baby’s first year, teething becomes a factor, and this can make things extra uncomfortable. Your baby’s progression Perhaps your baby has taken to the bottle quite well and is even good at eating solid foods. If you combine this with a healthy growth rate and on-schedule development, then there is no reason why breastfeeding cannot be taken out of the picture. On the other hand, if the baby is a little behind and can benefit from the specialized vitamins provided by breast milk, then keeping it up a little longer might be a good idea. Your work circumstances Are you having trouble making breastfeeding fit with your work and sleep schedule, or do you have an upcoming employment change that will probably make things difficult? Keeping in mind that babies can be perfectly healthy on formula and basic solid foods, there is nothing wrong with taking work concerns into account when choosing when to wean. If possible, try to start weaning ahead of time so your baby will be on the ball when that change comes. Your baby’s circumstances Children wean best when everything else is relatively smooth and uneventful. For instance, if your baby is currently teething and is suffering side effects, you might want to wait until it passes. Also, keep in mind that the weaning will go best if you have plenty of time to devote to helping your baby to the next step. If everything at home is smooth and worry free, then it might be a good time to start the process. By Jamell Williams