Weaning a Child: Challenges and Tips

Weaning is a significant milestone in the journey of motherhood, as the child undergoes major changes that affect their dietary patterns and relationship with their mother. Weaning can be a challenging experience, especially when the child is not ready or when it is not done properly. Some mothers opt for gradual weaning to ease the transition, while others may have to wean abruptly for various reasons, which can have physical and emotional impacts on both the mother and the child. In this article, we will discuss different types of weaning, how to choose the right timing, and practical tips to help mothers navigate this stage with minimal stress and complications.

---

What is Weaning?

Weaning is a natural stage where the child begins to rely on other food sources instead of breastfeeding. This process requires patience and gradual adjustment from the mother, as the child slowly adapts to the change. Weaning involves gradually reducing the number of breastfeeding sessions, and as the duration and quantity of each session decrease, the mother's milk production naturally diminishes.

The Right Age to Start Weaning

The timing of weaning varies from one mother to another based on personal circumstances, such as returning to work, health conditions, or the child's needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by the introduction of solid foods alongside breastfeeding until the child is one year old. After that, the child can start drinking cow's milk. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding until the age of two, but ultimately, the decision lies with the mother and what suits her and her child.

Signs That the Child Is Not Ready for Weaning and How to Handle Them

If weaning happens too quickly for the child, they may show signs such as tantrums, clinginess, anxiety, or frequent night waking. Sometimes, factors like illness or teething can affect weaning, requiring it to be postponed. If the child is old enough, the mother can explain the situation and set a "weaning day" as a final deadline to stop breastfeeding, or reward the child with a special gift to help them accept the change. It is important for the mother to understand that the child will need more closeness and attention during this stage, so breastfeeding can be replaced with special bonding time. Weaning can also be emotionally challenging for the mother, who may experience mixed feelings such as sadness and anxiety, so it is essential to give herself time to adapt to this change.

Types of Weaning

Weaning varies from one child to another depending on factors such as the child's age and readiness, as well as the mother's circumstances and desire to continue or reduce breastfeeding. There are several types of weaning, including gradual or abrupt weaning, and it can be initiated by the mother or the child. Choosing the right type helps make the process smoother and more comfortable for both the mother and the child.

1. Partial Weaning

Partial weaning can be a suitable solution when the mother feels overwhelmed by frequent breastfeeding throughout the day. Instead of stopping breastfeeding completely, the duration or number of sessions can be gradually reduced, helping the mother feel more comfortable without depriving the child entirely. Some mothers find that reducing nighttime feedings reduces pressure, while others prefer reducing daytime feedings and continuing to breastfeed at night. As the child grows, they begin to seek other ways to feel secure and connected to their mother, so spending quality time with them through play and interaction can gradually reduce their need for breastfeeding without feeling deprived.

2. Child-Led Weaning

Some children gradually stop breastfeeding on their own as their interest in it decreases over time. The child breastfeeds as long as it meets a specific need, and as they grow and discover other types of food, they naturally begin to wean. This type of weaning allows the child to adapt to the change at their own pace, while also giving the mother's body time to gradually reduce milk production without discomfort.

3. Gradual Weaning

Gradual weaning gives the child enough time to adapt to the change comfortably, helping them transition smoothly from breastfeeding to other food sources. It also reduces the likelihood of breast engorgement and pain for the mother and minimizes the risk of mastitis. This approach offers more flexibility, as breastfeeding can be temporarily resumed if the child is going through a difficult phase of illness or teething. Additionally, the mother can continue to offer some breastfeeding sessions when needed, as it can be an effective way to soothe the child during times of distress or anxiety.

Tips for Gradual Weaning:

• If the child is over 12 months old, offer solid food before breastfeeding so they gradually rely more on food than breast milk. If the child is under one year and drinks formula or other types of milk, it is better to offer them before breastfeeding in the same meal to help them adapt to the change.
• Follow a consistent breastfeeding routine as much as possible. Setting specific times for breastfeeding instead of leaving it random helps the child adapt to the change smoothly. Gradually reduce the number of breastfeeding sessions based on the child's comfort and readiness.
• If the child needs to suck for comfort, encourage them to use other soothing methods such as hugging, playing, or reading stories, which helps them find alternatives to breastfeeding without feeling deprived.
• If you feel severe breast fullness, do not empty the milk completely. Instead, express a small amount manually or with a breast pump until you feel comfortable, as emptying large amounts may lead to prolonged milk production.
• Check your breasts daily to ensure there are no lumps, redness, or pain, as these could be signs of engorgement or mastitis. If any of these symptoms appear, it is best to address them early with cold compresses or by consulting a doctor to avoid complications.

4. Abrupt Weaning

Abrupt weaning is one of the most challenging types of weaning, as breastfeeding is stopped suddenly without a gradual transition, which can cause physical and emotional shock for both the mother and the child. This type of weaning leads to severe breast engorgement, pain, and milk leakage, and increases the risk of mastitis. The child may also struggle to adapt to the sudden absence of breastfeeding, making them more clingy and anxious. In some cases, abrupt weaning may be necessary for medical or personal reasons, and here the mother needs to take some measures to alleviate its effects on her and her child's health.

Abrupt Weaning Immediately After Birth

Some mothers may need to stop breastfeeding immediately after birth for medical or personal reasons, which requires quickly reducing milk production. To avoid severe engorgement and reduce discomfort, follow these tips:

• Wear a supportive bra throughout the day and night to reduce discomfort.
• Do not express milk unless you feel severe pain, and only remove a small amount to relieve pressure without stimulating further milk production.
• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling and pain.
• Take mild painkillers after consulting a doctor.
• Drink fluids normally and do not reduce them, as this does not affect the speed of stopping milk production.
• Try comfortable sleeping positions, such as sleeping on your back or side with a pillow to support your breasts.

Abrupt Weaning After a Long Period of Breastfeeding

When a mother stops breastfeeding suddenly after weeks or months of breastfeeding, the body is accustomed to producing large amounts of milk, making abrupt weaning more difficult. The mother may experience painful breast engorgement and an increased risk of mastitis. To alleviate these symptoms, it is recommended to:

• Start by expressing milk at the same frequency as breastfeeding or less, depending on your comfort. For example, if you breastfeed five times a day, start by expressing milk at the same frequency or reduce it to four times if you feel comfortable.
• Gradually reduce the amount of milk expressed each time. If you express 100 ml per session, try reducing it to 80 ml, then 60 ml over time, which helps gradually reduce milk production.
• Skip one expressing session every 3 to 4 days. For example, if you express milk four times a day, reduce it to three times after a few days, then twice, and so on, until your body adapts to the change gradually without discomfort.
• If you feel severe breast fullness, do not stop suddenly. Instead, express a small amount, such as 20-30 ml, when needed to relieve pressure, but do not empty the breast completely to avoid stimulating further milk production.
• When you feel ready, stop expressing completely, but you may need to express a small amount every few days. In the final stage, it may be comfortable to express once every 4-5 days as needed, until milk production stops naturally without pain or engorgement.

How to Wean a Child from Nighttime Breastfeeding

Mothers often feel tired and exhausted due to nighttime breastfeeding, so some mothers consider weaning their child at night to reduce waking times and allow the mother to sleep. It is essential to determine if the timing is right for nighttime weaning. If the nighttime breastfeeding session is short, not exceeding five minutes, you can start weaning the child from nighttime breastfeeding and try to soothe the child to sleep using appropriate methods.

If the nighttime breastfeeding session lasts more than five minutes, pay attention when weaning:

• Determine the duration of nighttime breastfeeding.
• Gradually reduce the duration of nighttime breastfeeding.
• Try to soothe the child and prepare them for sleep after the breastfeeding session using appropriate methods.
• Stop breastfeeding after five minutes after following the previous steps.

Ensure that your child has reached the appropriate age and weight before nighttime weaning. It is preferable for the child to be between 4-6 months old and weigh at least 5 kilograms. At this stage, introducing solid foods during the day can reduce the child's hunger and need for nighttime breastfeeding. It is also advisable to consult a doctor before starting nighttime weaning.

Tips for Nighttime Weaning:

• Increase the child's calorie intake during the day to satisfy them and introduce solid foods alongside breastfeeding.
• Feed the child before bedtime, as it reduces nighttime waking and helps with nighttime weaning.
• Avoid breastfeeding the child when they wake up at night, and let the father soothe them instead.
• Avoid distracting the child from breastfeeding during the day.
• Breastfeed from one breast at a time and avoid switching between breasts to maximize the benefits of breastfeeding, which increases the time between feedings.

Psychological Aspects of Weaning for Mother and Child

Weaning is not just a change in the child's feeding pattern; it is a profound emotional transition that affects both the mother and the child in different ways. For the mother, weaning can be an emotionally complex stage, as she may feel relieved to regain some physical independence and flexibility in her day, but at the same time, she may experience a sense of loss, as if she is bidding farewell to a special and intimate bond with her child. It can be difficult to accept the end of those moments that brought her close to her child during breastfeeding, especially if breastfeeding was a fundamental part of their relationship and daily routine.

The more abrupt or unplanned the weaning, the more intense the emotions the mother may experience, such as sadness or a sense of emotional emptiness. This may be accompanied by nostalgia for the period when breastfeeding was a primary means of connection and comfort. It is normal for emotions to fluctuate during this stage, as the mother may feel relief at her ability to change in some moments, and sorrow at the end of this warm and close phase with her child in others.

For the child, weaning can be a sudden change in their world, especially if they view breastfeeding as more than just a way to satisfy hunger, but also as a source of comfort and security. This may manifest in increased clinginess, tantrums, or sleep disturbances due to feelings of instability. During this stage, the child needs more affection and emotional support to help them cope, such as increased hugging, spending more time playing, and continuous communication to compensate for the absence of breastfeeding and provide a sense of security.

---

In conclusion, weaning is a natural stage that every child and mother goes through, but it can be an emotional and challenging experience, especially if it is not done in a way that suits the needs of both the child and the mother. Gradual weaning and patience with the adjustment process help reduce stress and make the transition smoother. It is important for the mother to listen to her child's needs and provide emotional support, while also taking care of herself during this stage to ensure a more comfortable and stable experience for everyone.