Please read: Important 2013 cancer research update from Dr. Michael Camilleri

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

continued:

Weaning: Tips for breast-feeding mothers

Should I refuse feedings during the weaning process?

Refusing to breast-feed when your child wants to nurse can backfire and increase your child's focus on the activity. If your child wants to nurse, nurse him or her. Then, continue working to distract him or her with new foods, activities and sources of emotional reassurance — such as a favorite stuffed animal — around the times of your typical breast-feeding sessions. It might help to avoid sitting in your usual breast-feeding spots with your child during these times.

What about nutrition after weaning?

If you wean your child before age 1, substitute breast milk with iron-fortified formula. Ask your child's doctor to recommend a formula. Don't give your child cow's milk until after his or her first birthday.

You can wean your child to a bottle and then a cup or, if your child seems ready, directly to a cup. Keep in mind that if you wean your child to a bottle, you'll eventually have to wean him or her to a cup.

If you're introducing your child to a bottle for the first time, do so at a time when your child isn't extremely hungry and might have more patience. Choose a bottle nipple with a slow flow at first. If you use a bottle nipple with a fast flow, your child might become frustrated with the slower flow of milk during breast-feeding.

How long does weaning take?

Depending on your approach, weaning could take days, weeks or months. Remember, however, that rushing the weaning process might be upsetting for your child and cause breast engorgement.

Breast-feeding is an intimate activity for you and your child. You might have mixed emotions about letting go. But by taking a gradual approach to weaning — and offering plenty of love and affection — you can help your child make a smooth transition to a bottle or cup.

Previous page
(2 of 2)
References
  1. Spencer J. Common problems of breastfeeding and weaning. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Oct. 10, 2012.
  2. Lawrence RA, et al. Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011:319.
  3. Younger Meek J, et al. New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books; 2011:201.
  4. Your guide to breastfeeding. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/. Accessed Oct. 4, 2012.
  5. Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1528/0.html. Accessed Dec. 13, 2012.
  6. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Academy of Pediatrics Policy. http://aappolicy.aappublications.org. Accessed July 17, 2012.
  7. Greer FR, et al. Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children: The role of maternal dietary restriction, breastfeeding, timing of introduction of complementary foods, and hydrolyzed formulas. Pediatrics. 2008;121:183.
  8. LaFleur EA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 14, 2012.
MY01438 Feb. 16, 2013

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger