Breast pump
Here are few tips for young and new mothers who would like to get a better idea about how to stop breastfeeding:
1. Have the child wean gradually to stop breastfeeding.
Since the child is used to breast-fed milk, it will take time to change the habit. Adopt a procedure to stop feeding in slow and regular phases. For instance, if you are feeding at intervals during the day, try to stop feeding during lunch hours, followed by the evening and so on.
2. Opt for alternatives.
Start using alternative options to make the child enjoy drinking and other fluids. Use bottle milk and gradually change the nipples. This will make the child more comfortable at sucking. They will learn to ask for the bottle, whenever it’s time to feed.
3. Use a nipple as a teething ring.
The mother often gets tired in feeding as lactation levels decrease with time. She can place a nipple in the child’s mouth. This will work as a teething ring and allow the child to opt for other fascinating things for feeding.
4. Use a new formula while feeding.
Instead of giving plain milk, use a formula-based drink. Try to change the ingredients of the baby’s milk by adding different types of mixes readily available in the market. A baby formula based on wheat, chocolate, orange or strawberry can be added to the milk to generate the interest of the child.
5. Use a breast pump to stop breastfeeding.
Instead of feeding the child through breast, select a good quality breast pump. It is used to pump out breast milk, which can be given to the child whenever it requires breastfeeding. The flow of milk in a bottle is easy and convenient compared to direct feeding.
6. Let the child imitate from surroundings.
It becomes easier to stop breastfeeding if a child develops a liking for things by seeing how someone else eats or drinks. Children are natural imitators. If you are drinking milk in a cup or glass, the child might insist in having it in the same manner.
7. Self-weaning.
The child might let you know that they have had enough. Though they would feel happy being cuddled and snuggled to their mother’s breast, the baby might not be interested in breastfeeding. This behavior aids the mother to switch over to external milk source solutions.
8. Stop lactation.
A mother might decide to stop feeding their child by reducing the milk in the breast. Avoid breast stimulation. Take a warm shower or gently press the breasts to remove the milk. Sometimes, the nipple might develop sores but don’t worry. Use ice packs or take a painkiller for fast relief.
9. Let the child understand.
Toddlers who continue feeding on mother’s milk should understand things easily. Make them understand that they have grown up and shouldn’t always feed on breast milk.
10. Provide physical comfort to stop breastfeeding.
Although, it is important to nurse a child while they are growing, you might stop feeding them through physical comfort. Try to simply hug and cuddle your child when they long for milk. This way, the child might begin to wean off from breast milk slowly.
Mothers have to exercise a lot of patience while trying to stop to breastfeeding their child. The nature and behavior of children are not always same. It might take several months for them to break the habit, but if you follow some of these tips then eventually you will see positive results.
[Image Source: Wikipedia]
