It's extremely common to hear mothers say that their infants self-weaned between six to eight months of age. With developmental milestones, teething, and just generally getting more involved in the world around them, babies are easily distracted from nursing. Fortunately there is no need for this to signal an end to the breastfeeding relationship. In no particular order, here are some tips that have been very helpful to other moms who have kept their baby from weaning at 6 months. 1. Start with a calm baby. Babies who are being forced to the breast will usually resist, which can lead to further breast refusal. 2. Take the baby into a dark, … [Read more...]

Weaning from breastfeeding: I have successfully done this with four children. Okay, that’s not true. I have successfully weaned one child.  The first three weaned themselves. Well, maybe that’s not true either. I guess it depends on how you define weaning. If I remember my La Leche League literature correctly, weaning from breastfeeding technically begins as soon you introduce solid food into your child’s diet.  In that case, I began weaning all my kids around six months of age. Sometime eighteen months to two years later, they competed the process themselves. They simply lost interest over time (maybe with a little … [Read more...]

When it's time for weaning babies onto solids, everyone has an opinion. "Did you see that?! Look, he did it again—he's watching me eat. I'll bet he's getting ready for real food." "Aren't you going to feed him something from the table? A little bit won't hurt him." "If she's not sleeping well you should feed her rice cereal. That will make her tummy full." Have you ever heard comments like this? I know I did. Weaning babies onto solids is the decision of the parents, not well-intentioned friends and family. But at the same time, it's hard to know when to do it. I speak from experience. I started giving my first son rice cereal and … [Read more...]

Breastfeeding beyond one year ranges from unthinkable to some parents, to the norm for others. Its acceptance varies from one culture to another. Breastfeeding into the toddler years is very beneficial in terms of health. But many parents still have questions about breastfeeding beyond one year. Why do it at all? One of the first times I ever saw (or at least noticed) someone breastfeeding a baby was when I was 19 years old. I was having a chat with my pastor’s wife on their back porch when her then 15-month-old toddled over to where we were sitting. She nonchalantly lifted her shirt and very discretely nursed him for a few seconds. … [Read more...]