Weaning is the stage of gradual transition from breastfeeding to other sources of nourishment. Just like when you’re about to start nursing, trying to wean an infant can be exhausting.
It requires a lot of patience and flexibility from both you and your baby, as well as utmost nutritional attention. It is expected to experience difficulty in introducing meals different from what their taste buds have already been accustomed to.
When is the right time to wean your baby?
According to the World Health Organization, it is strongly advised that you breastfeed your baby exclusively for 6 months, after which you can gradually introduce solid meals while still breastfeeding until the baby is at least a year old.
Other experts also suggest extended breastfeeding as the best option concerning building your baby’s immune system, yet there are no rules nor specifics as to when to begin the weaning process.
Weaning can be influenced by a variety of factors ranging from your work schedule to your baby’s temperament. Some babies wean themselves especially as they grow older while others give their mothers a hard time in weaning them. Many women choose to wean their babies completely off breastfeeding when they are about a year old.
Is bitter leaf safe for weaning babies?
The use of bitter leaves is one of the traditional ways of interrupting breastfeeding. Whether this is safe is dependent on its mode of preparation and usage.
There’s nothing wrong with trying to wean your baby with diluted or very little drops of the bitter leaf extract provided the leaves are thoroughly washed.
How to use bitter leaves to wean babies?
Some mothers devise the bitter leaf method as a means to completely stop their babies from breastfeeding.
- Get 2-3 pieces of bitter leaf, wash thoroughly in clean water, and squeeze the extract on the nipples when your baby comes tugging at your breast. An initial attempt to suckle and be struck with an unexpected astringent taste may scare your baby away from further attempts. You can do this for about a week while having an already prepared meal or formula by the side.
Note that this however may not deter some babies as they would patiently suckle till the bitter taste is off and relax into their gourd of nourishment.
Here are a few other tips to help you with weaning your baby;
Gradual reduction and substitution: Once your baby is past 6 months of age, you can gradually begin to reduce the number of times you breastfeed and try substituting with a bottle of infant formula or cup of whole milk in between(this is dependent on the age of your baby).
Also, change the routine. Minimize the duration of the breastfeeding session, and use the unsatisfactory moment to introduce other meals but take care not to overlook essential nutrients.
Offer alternative comfort: If it is normal for you to breastfeed when your baby is cranky, seeking attention, or sleepy, do not be quick to do so anymore. You may choose to cuddle and pat them calmly instead and even if they struggle to have access to your nipples, gently rock them away from it while singing a lullaby. With time your baby will eventually adjust.
Change your feeding position: Adjust from the normal feeding posture and nursing area, also consider positioning them differently, so your baby does not always think it is breastfeeding time. Switch to feeding them from cups and if your baby is grown enough to grasp the cup, allow them to hold it and assist when necessary.
Introduce snacks and fun activities: In between trying to feed them solid meals, alternate with healthy snacks and fruit juice for an exciting taste. Sometimes, your baby might just want to have their mouth latched to your nipple, during this time try distracting by engaging your child in fun activities like reading books, giving them toys to play with, and cooing cheerfully at them.
Taking pills to cease breast milk: There are drugs known to cause a cessation of milk production. When your baby does not suckle on it, it might discourage further vain attempts and ease them into yearning for another source of feeding. This however should be taken under strict directives from your doctor, this is because some of these drugs can upset the hormones.
The safety of using bitter leaf for weaning is solely dependent on its usage. Bitter leaf contains compounds that may be toxic to your baby if consumed in large amounts, especially in allergy-prone babies.
As you work towards weaning your baby off breastfeeding, ensure that the solids introduced provide the adequate nutrients required for your baby’s growth. Also, know that every baby is different, figure out and follow the pattern that suits your baby’s needs
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