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“We thought we were done.” “We had successfully weaned, until…” Lots of excited mothers say this, only to find out that it isn’t true. Weaning is a process carried out by both child and mother. Your child needs time.
Weaning a toddler is different than weaning a baby. The child knows that their need for breastfeeding is being satisfied. They expects to be breastfed, because that’s how it’s always been. The breast is given when needed. This has become ingrained over the years, which is why it is not possible to stop breastfeeding abruptly- no matter how hard you try. Even “weaning pro hacks” like drinking bitter tea so that the breast milk no longer tastes good is not in line with the way mom used to behave. The way in which mom and child have treated each other with “respect” up to now should be continued – especially at the end of this important time.
Tips and tricks are not for this time when something so special to your child is coming to an end.
When breastfeeding comes to an end, a new space for togetherness opens up. Another closeness takes the place of this ritual. New moments are found together, new rituals. Maybe the long snuggles in the morning or cuddly reading times after school.
When your child wants to breastfeed again after a break of several days, they should be able to do so. The gaps will get longer and more frequent. There will be days when they don’t breastfeed. Don’t ask. Sometimes there will be brief moments when they want to breastfeed and you can distract them with other things: reading a book, getting a glass of water, or playing a game. The urges will become fewer and fewer, the questions, the breastfeeding moments. They will soon come to an end. The end of a long time. A gentle farewell, which once again opens a new door for other moments.
How was weaning for you?
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