Weaning a Toddler from Breastmilk

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I know weaning a baby from breastmilk is a difficult task, but its even more tasking to wean a toddler. Toddlers are aware of all your moves, they are emotional and are so much in love with breastmilk. It will break your heart to see them cry so be prepared. So here are some tips from my own expereince.

I finally wanted to stop breastfeeding as my daughter was nearing two years. She had gotten too clingy and would ask for breastmilk all the time. I was still ok with it, but once she started refusing solid food and regular milk, I started to worry as breastmilk alone was not enough to provide her with all the nutrition.

So I read a lot of articles and decided to wean her gradually by not giving her breastmilk during the day. But night weaning was almost becoming impossible. Since she used to nurse to sleep and would really cry her heart out to sleep without BM. I was almost going through an immotional breakdown and was getting depressed, and quit a couple of times. With some advice from friends, I convinced myself that I have done my part by being a good mother and started the process with a heavy heart.

There are many ways to stop breastfeed, some mothers do it gradually, its easy for working moms as they stay away from their kids most of the time. But nothing really worked for me and I had to make her hate breastmilk. Hence I started applying crushed bitter-gourd juice and she started hating the taste. Believe me refusing is way harder than this. Many people maynot agree, but for me it was important that my child does not cry and accept it by herself. So once she stopped, I started pumping out some milk to relieve pressure and placed frozen cabbage leaves. But during one of the days, my daughter troubled me too much and I had to feed her, milk production started again.

This process will be on and off, dont give up once you have made up your mind. Then I again started with bitter gourd juice, I would keep it next to my bed with a cotton piece and quickly apply when she asks for breastmilk (some peopel suggested neem juice). I did it a few times and the same day I started on Cabergoline tabs (2 taken at once), my friend who is a doctor suggested it to me. Please please consult your doctor. The milk almost stopped producing and after 2 days I took another one and in a week milk stopped. I did not express milk this time, there was no swelling too.

Here are some things you need to keep in mind:

– Its not easy to stop giving your child something he or she really loves, but if its for their good you need to stop.

– Moms be aware than the change in hormones are going to make you depressed. For few days my mind was not working, I felt really sad. Keep assuring yourself that you have done your best. Keep cuddling your child and give them the same warmth.

In a month’s times you will be back to normal.

About admin

Jaishri is a working mom and the founder of mommyswall. She is also a certified Yoga instructor and believes in Natural living. This Blog is a contribution of lovely moms and dads around the world.
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