10 Tips for Weaning

Congratulations on successfully nursing your Little Bear, whether you made it 3 months or 3 years, the weaning process can be confusing and full of emotion.  These 10 mommy tested tips should help make the process a little easier, regardless if your Little Bear or you are taking the lead. 1) Begin eliminating the easiest feedings first and leave the most crucial for last. If baby is self weaning, the same recommendation applies and includes not offering the boob for unsolicited feeding sessions. 2) Plan to eliminate one feeding every 2-4 days with the goal of officially weaning in approximately 4-6 weeks. 3) Once a feeding has been removed from your daily routine, do not introduce it back. 4) Work to increase other soothing techniques, patting, singing, rocking, etc. 5) Ask for help. Your Little Bear may need some positive distraction from Mommy's boob. This is a great time for another caregiver to try laying baby down for naps or soothing through an injury. 6) The daytime nap can be a hard feeding to wean but using a car or swing to tire baby out is a super handy trick. After a few days, your Little Bear wont ask anymore for that feeding. 7) When engorged, self express or pump just enough to take the pressure off. You don't want to empty your breast because that will encourage continued production. 8) A warm cloth or bath will help with sore breasts. Massage out clogged or full ducts. Ibrophen may also be helpful. 9) As your supply reduces, Mommy's hormones will change and for many this can cause another round of "baby blues." Just be mindful and practice self care. 10) There are natural supplements that can help decrease your supply, for example parsley, peppermint, sage, etc. Also, certain over the counter medications like Benadryl can also decrease your supply. This wont be necessary for most, but if you are weaning over a shorter period of time (less than 4-6 weeks), you may need some extra help. Good luck on your weaning process and welcome to this next phase of Mommy-hood!

Photo by Mary Larsen Silvermoon Photography San Antonio