Weaning Your Baby – A Gentle Approach
Motherhood unites women in an incredible way. Despite differences in age, race, location or number of children, it bonds us together while allowing each woman’s journey to be completely unique.
Breastfeeding is a journey in and of itself. For some, it is straightforward, easy and enjoyable. For others, it’s full of challenges, continuously taxing and difficult. Some mothers welcome the end of this journey with weaning their baby, while others stress over its completion.
During my initial search of how to wean gently, I was disappointed by the lack of resources out there. I wasn’t interested in how to ease engorgement, nor did I need information about dietary supplements. I wanted to know how to make weaning as gentle as possible, for me and my child.
I share the following in hopes that another mother may find something beneficial while also knowing full well that what may work for me may not work for others.
1. Talk to your baby
Infants and toddlers understand so much more than we give them credit for. Talk to your child about changes you intend and start to make. Tell them when you decide to drop a feed. Explain that getting bigger means getting to drink from a bottle or cup instead. Assure them that you love them and are still there.
2. Increase other forms of affection
Whether it is cuddling on the couch, laying down together, or massage, find other ways to incorporate and increase physical touch into your daily routine while weaning your child.
3. Create a positive association with another item or activity
When ready to wean, find what works for your child – a pacifier, lovey, walk in your arms or lullaby – and start incorporating these alternatives on a more regular basis during the times you normally nurse.
4. Ask for assistance while weaning
If you have a partner who is available and willing, ask them to step in and provide comfort as you and your child navigate this new territory.
5. Finally, make dua’ and ask Allah swt to make it easy
“Oh Allah! There is nothing easy except what you make easy, and You make the difficult easy if it is Your will.”
No matter where you are in this incredible journey, I pray it is filled with endless love and laughter, immense blessings, and that it serves as a means of you and your loved ones earning a place together in Jannah. Ameen.
Rebecca Minor
Rebecca Minor is a wife, mother, and child behavior specialist with over 10 years of experience coaching parents and helping children change negative behavior into positive behavior. She’s active on Instagram and Facebook, writing stories about faith, family, and sharing parenting tips and resources with her followers.
Rebecca is preparing to launch her first online course called The Confident Parenting Plan. This video course and online community will help parents improve their relationship with their children by improving their behavior. The Confident Parenting Plan will walk parents through understanding behavior, teach the most effective strategies for increasing positive behavior, and how to effectively manage negative behavior.
For more information you can email her at rebecca.minor@gmail.com or follow along on Instagram at @rminor84.
