WHO recommends that infants be fed only with breast milk for the first 6 months and that breastfeeding should be continued for 24 months by starting appropriate complementary foods from the 6th month. In the light of this information, breastfeeding can be terminated at a time convenient for the mother and baby. If the baby decides to quit the breast, this process will be shorter and easier to overcome. However, if the mother initiates the weaning process, it may be a longer and more difficult process. How long this will take can vary from baby to baby. The ideal is to gradually wean from the breast, not to rush, to allow time for both the baby and the mother's body to get used to the new situation.
WHAT SHOULD I FOLLOW THE BABY TO WEAN?
▪ Emotionally ready (There should be a time when the mother does not think about the possibility of starvation when she does not breastfeed her baby, or fears that the emotional bond between them will break when she stops breastfeeding rather than hunger.)
▪ Being in a peaceful period (teething period or a period when the baby is sick)
If the baby is in the process of weaning from the breast during periods such as change of caregiver, mother's job, divorce of mother and father, the baby cannot manage both stresses together.)
▪ Weaning gradually (the baby will never be it should not be separated from the breast suddenly.For example, since babies are more fond of the first and last feeding hours, it would be more appropriate to leave one of the mid-day sessions first.
▪ Changing the breastfeeding hours (habit or hunger is important in terms of distinguishing it, as well as the babies themselves). Changing the breastfeeding hours helps babies forget the breast over time, as they instinctively focus on certain hours of the day.)
▪ Changing the sleeping hours (as most babies associate feeding with sleep, keeping the baby awake during feeding, delaying sleep after 1 hour are also ways to separate them.)
In this process, our dear mothers' determination, distracting the baby's attention, hugging and playing games are the best behaviors to do, and saying goodbye to the breast with love is the trick. Every baby and mother is unique and the right time may vary for each mother and baby.
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