Natural Weaning

Lately I've been getting a lot of phone calls and e mails about weaning. According to Norma Jane Bumgarner, author of MOTHERING YOUR NURSING TODDLER, "Every Natural weaning is unique so that it is impossible to guarantee anything about it except that it will happen." Natural weaning occurs on the child's schedule. In his or her own time she decides that it's not absolutely essential to her well being. When it comes early it can be hard on moms. Even if it comes after two years it can be difficult. My oldest stopped at 2 1/2 years old. My youngest also stopped at 2 1/2.
Be aware that you will go through a period of mild depression after a child abruptly stops nursing.

Two hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, play a huge role in breastfeeding. When baby begins the strong sucking action at the breast, this contacts the nerves in your nipples. Impulses from these nerves travel to the pituitary, the master glad in the brain, by way of the hypothalamus, which is near the pleasure center of the brain. Nature intends mothers to enjoy breastfeeding their babies. When baby decides to stop nursing abruptly you will experience a sharp drop in prolactin, which can cause you to feel blue. It turns out I was a prolactin junkie and was very down after my youngest quit abruptly. My friend who is a lactation counselor asked if my daughter had stopped nursing, I was surprised and asked how she knew. She said I had been very depressed lately and she was guessing that could be a reason. Don't be alarmed however, it's easy to work through this if you understand why you are feeling blue. It's also difficult to let go of that special bonding time and that can add to feelings of depression. Be sure to seek out a support group or just talk about it with a lactation counselor. It's always reassuring to know you are not alone.

Now if you are considering leading the weaning, think over all possible alternatives.Perhaps there are some compromises that could be made in order to allow the baby to nurse at least twice a day. Stop and think about whether weaning your baby will really improve matters. It's easy to forget that nursing makes being a mom easier not harder. According to La Leche League International's book, THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, " Remember that illness and, medications, surgery, or returning to work do not necessarily mean you must wean before you and your baby are ready."

If you can, take your time weaning. Dr. William Sears says, "A wise baby who enjoys a happy nursing relationship is not likely to give it up willingly unless some other form of emotional nourishment is provided which is equally attractive or at least interestingly different." Basically, if you want to wean substitute other kinds of loving care for nursing. Cut one nursing at a time, distract your nurser with a glass of water or juice, or a story or a walk around the block at about the time you would normally nurse. Wait a couple of days to let this arrangement work itself out and to be easy on your breasts, and then go ahead and try and wean out another nursing time. Try not to rush it. It's a big change for the two of you. It doesn't have to be an all or nothing thing. If baby reacts strongly to not being nursed at nap or night time, you might decide to let your little one continue nursing only at those times. Eventually nursing ends and once it's gone it's gone, Enjoy the precious time now and remember there is no wrong or right way, only your way. I encourage you to talk to a local support group for more information or contact a lactation counselor. Email me for information on where to find resources locally at mommymattersonline@sbcglobal,net