Weaning Naturally
By: Sara Mendez
Tags: Baby, Baby Led Weaning, Motherhood, Health, Breastfeeding

Clelia Mirabella, 1965

“There is almost nothing you can do for your child in his whole life that will affect him both emotionally and physically as profoundly as breastfeeding.” — La Leche League International, from The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

Weaning has different meanings in different cultures. Usually, it either refers to the introduction of solid foods or to the end of breastfeeding. However, if we look at weaning from a more holistic approach, it can be defined as the process a child goes through to completely replace breast milk with other sources of nourishment.

UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for at least two years, complemented with a healthy and balanced diet from six months of age. The introduction of solid foods starts the weaning process but it can take months or even years to completely wean a baby, so the key is to be patient.

Weaning your baby should come naturally, that means breastfeeding until your child outgrows the need to nurse. However, cultural and social beliefs have a strong impact on breastfeeding mothers. In many cultures babies are expected to wean around the first birthday or even sooner, but biologically, children are supposed to breastfeed for a lot longer. If we understand breastfeeding not only as a source of nourishment but also of comfort and warmth, we can acknowledge a toddler’s need to nurse when he is tired, ill or upset.

Many women feel conditioned by what’s socially acceptable and are afraid to follow their instincts, thus disturbing their breastfeeding relationship too soon. Breastfeeding is a relationship between mother and baby, so as long as you and your child are happy breastfeeding, there’s no reason why you should wean your infant before he’s emotionally ready.

Breastfeeding can be liberating for many mothers as it allows them to feed their child anywhere at any time. It’s also important to remember that as babies grow and their food intake increases, breastfeeding becomes less demanding. The needs of a two-year-old are not the same as those of a six-month-old, so many mothers who choose to breastfeed their babies into toddlerhood might only nurse twice a day by the time their child is over a year old. There are no established rules, so finding what works for you and your child is what really matters. It has also been proven that breastfeeding past the first year has many benefits for your baby. It not only offers comfort, but also acts as a pain reliever and still provides a boost of nutrition and antibodies in the early years. Moreover, research shows that children who are breastfed until they are ready to wean tend to be more confident and have a stronger immune system. Therefore, allowing a smooth transition that supports your child’s physical, emotional and mental development will be beneficial for your infant in the long run. However, if you choose to wean your baby early, try to do it gradually to avoid generating stress in your child.

Weaning can sometimes bring a sense of loss, as it marks the end of a very special connection with your child, and can lead to depression due to hormonal changes. But remember that your presence as a mother is precious throughout your child’s journey as an individual. A weaning ceremony to celebrate the end of your breastfeeding relationship with your infant can make the transition smoother. Allow yourself to be creative and let your child guide you through the natural process of weaning.