Exclusive breastfeeding (no help from formula or other supplements) is recommended at least for the first 6 months of baby's life.
But if it is a necessity for you to stop (for whatever reason - work issues, health, etc.
), then you need to psych yourself that you'll have to do weaning.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding activity for mother and child.
To wean from breastfeeding; for it to end so soon would seem such a waste, especially since you've already gotten used to it.
Weaning is not just about solids.
This also includes the transition from breast to bottle.
If you're doing the latter, try to wait until the baby reaches 4 weeks.
This is so you will have an ample milk supply for expressing breast milk in bottles.
It is advised though that a 9-month old baby to be weaned to bottle feeding for the first time be given a cup instead.
If a toddler, the bottle can be completely skipped.
Most tots take to the sippy cup immediately as it piques their curiosity.
Give him time to adjust.
If he has tantrums when you try to wean, then wait for about a week before you try again.
The baby could feel emotional changes at around this phase.
He may feel a bit insecure and upset due to the loss of breastfeeding.
Make sure that you cuddle your baby and keep him close to you as often as possible.
This is so he would feel comforted and secure, knowing that even if there were some feeding changes, you (as his mother) will always be there.
A 1 to 3 month old baby may need around 5 to 6 feedings per day.
As the months progress, less feedings are required.
This is because solid foods are usually at around the 6th month.
If you will be using formula for the first time, be on the lookout for baby's physical changes - bowel problems, rashes, or sometimes baby just doesn't like to formula.
Always use iron-fortified formula until ate least 1 year of age.
This is to lessen the risk of him having anemia.
If you are using bottled breast milk, be sure to store and warm the milk properly.
(Milk warmers can be easily bought at baby stores.
) Eliminate a feeding at a time.
This is not just for bottle feeding, but also for solid-weaning.
When he is used to the bottle, try to give him a cup from time to time.
This will help him be familiar with the shape.
Eventually, he will know what he needs to do with it, especially if he sees members of a family drinking from glasses.
There will come a time when baby will mimic what he sees; having a sippy cup standing by will be perfect for that opportunity.
Remember that weaning is a two-way decision.
It should not just be yours, but baby's too.
If baby refuses to wean, give him some time.
Babies usually self-wean.
Re-introduce the bottle.
For as long as he gets to be beside you as often as possible, he'll eventually get the message and take to the bottle well.
But if it is a necessity for you to stop (for whatever reason - work issues, health, etc.
), then you need to psych yourself that you'll have to do weaning.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding activity for mother and child.
To wean from breastfeeding; for it to end so soon would seem such a waste, especially since you've already gotten used to it.
Weaning is not just about solids.
This also includes the transition from breast to bottle.
If you're doing the latter, try to wait until the baby reaches 4 weeks.
This is so you will have an ample milk supply for expressing breast milk in bottles.
It is advised though that a 9-month old baby to be weaned to bottle feeding for the first time be given a cup instead.
If a toddler, the bottle can be completely skipped.
Most tots take to the sippy cup immediately as it piques their curiosity.
Give him time to adjust.
If he has tantrums when you try to wean, then wait for about a week before you try again.
The baby could feel emotional changes at around this phase.
He may feel a bit insecure and upset due to the loss of breastfeeding.
Make sure that you cuddle your baby and keep him close to you as often as possible.
This is so he would feel comforted and secure, knowing that even if there were some feeding changes, you (as his mother) will always be there.
A 1 to 3 month old baby may need around 5 to 6 feedings per day.
As the months progress, less feedings are required.
This is because solid foods are usually at around the 6th month.
If you will be using formula for the first time, be on the lookout for baby's physical changes - bowel problems, rashes, or sometimes baby just doesn't like to formula.
Always use iron-fortified formula until ate least 1 year of age.
This is to lessen the risk of him having anemia.
If you are using bottled breast milk, be sure to store and warm the milk properly.
(Milk warmers can be easily bought at baby stores.
) Eliminate a feeding at a time.
This is not just for bottle feeding, but also for solid-weaning.
When he is used to the bottle, try to give him a cup from time to time.
This will help him be familiar with the shape.
Eventually, he will know what he needs to do with it, especially if he sees members of a family drinking from glasses.
There will come a time when baby will mimic what he sees; having a sippy cup standing by will be perfect for that opportunity.
Remember that weaning is a two-way decision.
It should not just be yours, but baby's too.
If baby refuses to wean, give him some time.
Babies usually self-wean.
Re-introduce the bottle.
For as long as he gets to be beside you as often as possible, he'll eventually get the message and take to the bottle well.
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