Weaning a baby is a delicate process for both mother and child, as breastfeeding creates a very strong emotional bond for both of them. Understanding that breastfeeding has repercussions on the physical health and cognitive and emotional development of the child and the psychological and bodily health of the mother is an important step in taking the best steps for this procedure.
Many mothers feel pressured by their husbands, relatives, neighbors, friends and employers to wean their child quickly, as these people mistakenly believe that prolonged breastfeeding is unnatural and may contribute to the future emergence of psychological problems about sex. the child.
Experts say it is important to support women with breastfeeding for breastfeeding for an appropriate period. "The support has to come from family, partner, grandparents, community, employers and government," says Elsa Regina Justo Giugliani, pediatrician and Coordinator of the Technical Area of Child Health and Breastfeeding, Ministry of Health. .
Since 2008, the Federal Government has been promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding through the Breastfeeding Brazil Network, helping women to stop breastfeeding or early weaning, as according to the World Health Organization recommendation, breastfeeding Maternal pregnancy should be done for two years or more.
The right time for weaning
To know the right time to wean a child, the mother should be aware that weaning is not an event but a process, which is part of the child's development, as well as learning to sit, walk and talk.
The process of child independence from breastfeeding should not be accelerated with consolation devices such as pacifiers or toys, because at the right time the child will show less interest in breastfeeding, at which time the mother should begin to impose limits.
What are the signs that your child is ready to stop breastfeeding?
- It is more than a year old;
- Shows less interest in breastfeeding;
- Accepts other foods;
- It is safe in its relationship with the mother;
- You can distract her with other activities.
How to start the weaning process
- Only offer the chest when your child shows interest;
- Ask the child's parent to give breast or cow's milk (the latter only if the child is over one year old) in a cup or bottle? the little one must unlink his mother's milk;
- Try to delay feeding by distracting the child and decreasing frequency throughout the day;
- At the time of feedings being delayed and reduced, give natural juices, shaved fruits and baby food. Try to add little salt and sugar and avoid artificial spices in the baby food and do not give soda to the small child.
It is important that the mother does not stop breastfeeding overnight, as the child may feel rejected. Also, can sudden weaning cause a painful blockage of breast milk, mastitis? breast inflammation, or depression, from hormonal changes or psychological causes.
Weaning a Baby From Breastfeeding - First With Kids - Vermont Children's Hospital (May 2024)
- Breastfeeding, Babies
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