What is Weaning?

Weaning actually starts when your child starts consuming anything besides breastmilk or a substitute. It is best if it is a gradual process but that process is highly subjective. One woman’s six weeks is another’s four years. These dynamics have much to do with the child’s temperament, the mother’s, the support system in the family, jobs, other children, cultural norms and general societal expectations.

Though you may still have just a squishy little love and are nowhere near ready to wean, the thought has likely crossed your mind as to when it will happen. Some nights the thought may have occurred to you frequently with it appearing like a mirage in the mental desert of 3am. Other moments may find you thinking you would gladly continue indefinitely. The key is those moments, which like others, can change often. Taking weaning day by day is really the best method.

As your baby ages and still seems small, you may decide a year is not enough. As they continue into toddlerhood and you find nursing a beneficial mothering tool when faced with tantrums, you may decide two years is not enough. When your baby is one month old, two years sounds like an eternity but you will be surprised how quickly it flies by.

If you decide to let your nursing relationship ride, you can be involved in the weaning. Mother-led weaning is an important way for you to manage your control over a situation that does tax your body and your energy. Though you may wish to continue as long as possible it is OK to limit where and when you are willing to nurse. Helping your child understand your limits early on is an excellent way for them to learn boundaries in general. If you hold your ground and will not nurse in the grocery store, eventually they won’t ask. Like any other limit setting scenario, make sure you have the gumption to follow through otherwise Jr. wins every time.

Early in your nursing relationship, do your best to focus on the here and now. Weaning will happen and rest assured that you will have your say. Enjoy your little dribbler knowing full well that when he leaves for college, it will be OK for him to go far, far away.

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