Weaning is the process of introducing your child to semi-solid foods, so your little one can gradually make the transition from breast milk to having solid foods. But as easy as it sounds all mothers know that weaning is challenging and most babies don t start to take foods other than breast milk easily. As a rule, every baby needs to be on breast milk for the first six months of life before being introduced to other foods. But most mothers worry how much or how long should they breastfeed their child during weaning. It is natural that your baby won t go without a feed as soon as you start weaning. Like most mothers, even I had this question in mind and my paediatrician suggested that since one cannot measure how much milk a child takes during one feed a mother should always act on cues and breastfeed baby on demand. Here are tips to wean your baby off breast milk.
Here are few tips that can come handy for breastfeeding mothers during weaning:
Every child has different needs and one cannot measure how much breast milk a child is consuming. So during the initial days when you introduce semi-solids, you might still have to breastfeed just the way you did before. So, if your baby took feeds eight to nine times a day it might still be the same. Don t fret about weaning, if your baby is taking even two to three morsels of semi-solid food, which usually consists of mashed and steamed fruits or vegetables, it works fine.
Over the period of time, you might notice that your baby is taking less number of feed and also the duration might come down. This happens when your baby starts taking the food you are offering and learns to swallow the semi-solid foods.
To make the transition smooth, when you start weaning try offering few spoons of mashed food to your baby and then offer a feed. In this way, you will know that your child is having a complete feed and won t be hungry for long. You can also try giving her a feed first and then few spoonfuls of the semi-solid foods.
By nine months or about a year your child should be able to swallow the food and feel its texture in the mouth. When this happens the number of the nursing session will lessen and your child might take just two to three feeds throughout the day.
However, don t stop breastfeeding altogether. According to the WHO, it is ideal to breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months and then start weaning. Even once you start weaning complement it with breastfeeding for at least two years.
Don t lay any strict rules or set times for breastfeeding during weaning. Offer a feed when your child demands one. Many babies demand a feed not just to satiate hunger pangs or quench thirst, but for the mere comfort of suckling, allow them that luxury.
Disclaimer: The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.
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