When and How To Cease Breastfeeding Your Child

By Munira A 

We are all aware that there are many advantages to breastfeeding your child, from the emotional bond that you form, to the nutritional gains that mother's milk offers along with antibodies.  Breastfeeding your child is the most natural way to feed, and those mothers who are fortunate enough to be able to, and able to continue to do so into their child's toddler years, will carry on that bond and the physically healthy boost that breast milk gives.  However, at the discretion of the mother herself, there comes a time when the breastfeeding period will come to an end, and ceasing the breastfeeding process with your child can be a difficult experience at times.

If you choose to stop breastfeeding your child at a very early age, whether due to going back to work or other factors, it can be easier to wean a small baby to the bottle when they are very young.  They will tend to get used to slowly going from the breast to breast milk from a bottle, if you are able to hold them in the same position you have breastfed them in. The position, and closeness is maintained, and you can slowly adjust formula in the bottle too if you are weaning your child off of breast milk.

It is a bit harder to cease breastfeeding a toddler, as they are more aware of their environment and can speak back to you! They are aware of the word "no" and may not like it. If you can wean your toddler with a game or with positive reinforcement, so that there is less negativity involved when you are trying to get them to stop. You can try to reward them for choosing the bottle over breastfeeding with a toy or something they really wish to have, or praise them when they are taking the bottle and give them lots of cuddles afterward.

Whenever you decide it is time to cease breastfeeding your child, you will know the right way to go about ensuring your child still feels the same emotional bond with you while feeding, if you maintain the cuddles and physical contact with your very young baby, and a loving positive reinforcement with your toddler, you will have a less difficult time stopping the breastfeeding process with your child.  When you choose to do so is completely up to you, of course, and you will know the best way to do it.

Article Source: When and How To Cease Breastfeeding Your Child