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Breastfeeding/weaning a 21 month ol from breastfeeding
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Question
how can I wean my daughter off of the breast and breast milk.I just started and she continues to cry and kick and pull at my shirt. She's ok during the day but it is worse at night.
Hi Valerie - What you are experiencing is ever so common :) What your child wants is the comfort she's grown to love through breast feeding. So be sure to roll in new close times for her when she's full. She'll know you are still there and be close with skin contact. She's; just confused on what is changing now....so it's the perfect time to challenge her new cognitive skills to divert from the wanting to breast feed.
Keep in mind that at almost two years old, her diet can involve a number of solid foods to fill the gap diet wise. And in terms of the # of breastfeeding, that's the comfort that she seeks that is driving her cry of need. So you may want to try "special" bit size foods you know she loves and replace those during the normal feed times during the day.. Between finding finger foods that fill her up (that he loves) and milk in sippy cups, that should help bridge the gap of the the nursing sessions during the day and at night. Use a nightly routine of reading, and singing to give that closeness. If you have engorgement during weaning, The LaMa Bra http://www.lamabra.com gives you a discreet way to slow the production and engorgement but with light use can keep the supply enough for the feedings as needed. Good luck and all the best.
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Answers by Expert:
Sue Ennis
Expertise
I am looking to support the segment of mothers that encounter engorgement issues that prevent them from continuing to breastfeeding, those that do not breastfeed or are ready to start weaning. As an aside, I wish to add that questions asked in terms of those not breastfeeding will not be given guilt for their choice. In many forums, including this one, there is currently no category developed for this "not breastfeeding" audience. I do believe that breastfeeding is best for both mother and child, however, I believe more strongly that there is a lack of support for the woman that for either personal or medical reasons cannot breastfeed. My strengths would be in answering questions related to stopping breast milk production comfortably either right after delivery or after nursing their children for some time, reducing breast engorgement pain and dealing with overactive lactation. Questions I would not try to answer are those tied to emotional feelings as I feel many times women that don't/can't breastfeed struggle with it...and that should be directed to the appropriate counseling channel.
Experience
I am the inventor and founder of LaMa Bra and for years have researched the human body functions, both in process and emotions/hormones to develop a bra to help mother slow or stop their breast milk.
Education/Credentials
I hold a BS in General Biology, a MS in Human Nutrition and an MBA in Marketing.
Also, am the the founder of LaMa Bra found at http://www.lamabra.com that has helped many women with engorgement while breastfeeding and through stages of weaning when ready to stop breastfeeding.
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